Reception apparatus, reception method, transmission apparatus, and transmission method

ABSTRACT

The present technology relates to a reception apparatus, a reception method, a transmission apparatus, and a transmission method, by which an increase in data size of signaling information transmitted by broadcasting can be suppressed. Provided is a reception apparatus including: a reception unit that receives a broadcast wave of digital broadcasting using an IP (Internet Protocol) transmission system; and a control unit that controls, on the basis of information for managing only a broadcast component transmitted by a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting, which is first signaling information transmitted by a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting, or information for managing at least one component of the broadcast component and a communication component transmitted by communication, which is second signaling information transmitted by communication, operations of respective units for acquiring the at least one component of the broadcast component and the communication component. The present technology is applicable to a television receiver, for example.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/300,564, filed on Sep. 29, 2016, which is a U.S. National Phase ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/JP2015/059587, filed on Mar.27, 2015, which claims priority benefit of Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. JP 2014-081536, filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 11, 2014.The benefit of priority is claimed to each of the foregoing, and theentire contents of each of the foregoing are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a reception apparatus, a receptionmethod, a transmission apparatus, and a transmission method and moreparticularly to a reception apparatus, a reception method, atransmission apparatus, and a transmission method, by which an increasein data size of signaling information transmitted by broadcasting can besuppressed.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, in the fields of digital broadcasting, in addition toservices utilizing broadcasting, hybrid services cooperating withcommunication have been introduced (e.g., see Patent Document 1). Insuch hybrid services, components such as video, audio, and closedcaptions for providing those services are transmitted by broadcasting orcommunication as streams.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.    2011-66556

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

By the way, if the hybrid services are introduced, it is necessary todescribe information relating to broadcasting and communication insignaling information. Thus, an increase in data size of the signalinginformation transmitted by broadcasting is assumed. Therefore, the datasize of the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting isrequired to be reduced.

The present technology has been made in view of the above-mentionedcircumstances to be capable of suppressing an increase in data size ofsignaling information transmitted by broadcasting.

Means for Solving the Problem

A reception apparatus according to a first aspect of the presenttechnology is a reception apparatus including: a reception unit thatreceives a broadcast wave of digital broadcasting using an IP (InternetProtocol) transmission system; and a control unit that controls, on thebasis of information for managing only a broadcast component transmittedby a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting, which is firstsignaling information transmitted by a broadcast wave of the digitalbroadcasting, or information for managing at least one component of thebroadcast component and a communication component transmitted bycommunication, which is second signaling information transmitted bycommunication, operations of respective units for acquiring the at leastone component of the broadcast component and the communicationcomponent.

The first signaling information may be information in units of servicesand may include a plurality of management information items foracquiring the broadcast component transmitted through a FLUTE (FileDelivery over Unidirectional Transport) session.

The first signaling information may be information in units of servicesand may include one management information item obtained by integratinga plurality of management information items for acquiring the broadcastcomponent transmitted through a FLUTE session as a parameter defined ata component level.

The first signaling information and the second signaling information mayinclude management information defining information relating to thesecond signaling information as a parameter at a service level.

The management information may include information indicating a range ofsignaling information, a version information, and a URL (UniformResource Locator) indicating an acquisition source, as the informationrelating to the second signaling information.

The management information may further include information indicating anupdate interval of the second signaling information, as the informationrelating to the second signaling information.

The management information may further include information indicating atiming to terminate acquisition of the second signaling information, asthe information relating to the second signaling information.

The second signaling information may be information in units of servicesand may include a plurality of management information items foracquiring the broadcast component and an MPD (Media PresentationDescription) complying with a standard of MPEG-DASH (Moving PictureExpert Group-Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) as managementinformation for acquiring the communication component.

The first signaling information may be transmitted in an upper layerthan an IP layer in a hierarchy of a protocol in the IP transmissionsystem, and a common IP address may be assigned to the broadcastcomponent configuring a particular service and the first signalinginformation.

The reception apparatus may be an independent apparatus or may be aninternal block configuring a single apparatus.

A reception method according to the first aspect of the presenttechnology is a reception method corresponding to the receptionapparatus according to the first aspect of the present technology.

In the reception apparatus according to the first aspect of the presenttechnology, and a reception method, a broadcast wave of digitalbroadcasting using an IP transmission system is received, and, on thebasis of information for managing only a broadcast component transmittedby a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting, which is firstsignaling information transmitted by a broadcast wave of the digitalbroadcasting, or information for managing at least one component of thebroadcast component and a communication component transmitted bycommunication, which is second signaling information transmitted bycommunication, operations of respective units for acquiring the at leastone component of the broadcast component and the communication componentare controlled.

A transmission apparatus according to a second aspect of the presenttechnology is a transmission apparatus including: a first acquisitionunit that acquires first signaling information for managing only abroadcast component transmitted by a broadcast wave of digitalbroadcasting using an IP transmission system; a second acquisition unitthat acquires one or more broadcast components configuring a service;and a transmission unit that transmits the first signaling informationtogether with the broadcast component by a broadcast wave of the digitalbroadcasting using the IP transmission system.

The first signaling information may be information in units of servicesand may include a plurality of management information items foracquiring the broadcast component transmitted through a FLUTE session.

The first signaling information may be information in units of servicesand may includes one management information item obtained by integratinga plurality of management information items for acquiring the broadcastcomponent transmitted through a FLUTE session as a parameter defined ata component level.

A receiver that receives a broadcast wave of the digital broadcastingusing the IP transmission system may be capable of acquiring informationfor managing the at least one component of the broadcast component and acommunication component transmitted by communication, which is secondsignaling information transmitted by communication, and the firstsignaling information and the second signaling information may includemanagement information defining information relating to the secondsignaling information as a parameter at a service level.

The management information may include information indicating a range ofsignaling information, version information, and a URL of an acquisitionsource, as the information relating to the second signaling information.

The management information may further include information indicating anupdate interval of the second signaling information, as the informationrelating to the second signaling information.

The management information may further include information indicating atiming to terminate acquisition of the second signaling information, asthe information relating to the second signaling information.

The second signaling information may be information in units of servicesand may include an MPD complying with a standard of MPEG-DASH as theplurality of management information items for acquiring the broadcastcomponent and the management information for acquiring the communicationcomponent.

The first signaling information may be transmitted in an upper layerthan an IP layer in a hierarchy of a protocol in the IP transmissionsystem, and a common IP address may be assigned to the broadcastcomponent configuring a particular service and the first signalinginformation.

The transmission apparatus may be an independent apparatus or may be aninternal block configuring a single apparatus.

A transmission method according to the second aspect of the presenttechnology is a transmission method corresponding to the transmissionapparatus according to the second aspect of the present technology.

In the transmission apparatus according to the second aspect of thepresent technology and a transmission method, first signalinginformation for managing only a broadcast component transmitted by abroadcast wave of digital broadcasting using an IP transmission systemis acquired, one or more broadcast components configuring the service isacquired, and the first signaling information is transmitted togetherwith the broadcast component by a broadcast wave of the digitalbroadcasting using the IP transmission system.

Effects of the Invention

In accordance with the first aspect and the second aspect of the presenttechnology, it is possible to suppress an increase in data size ofsignaling information transmitted by broadcasting.

It should be noted that the effect described here is not necessarilylimitative and may be any effect described in the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A diagram showing a protocol stack of digital broadcasting in anIP transmission system.

FIG. 2 A diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast wave of thedigital broadcasting in the IP transmission system.

FIG. 3 A diagram showing a structure of signaling information accordingto Solution 1.

FIG. 4 A diagram explaining a channel selection scenario of a basicservice according to Solution 1.

FIG. 5 A diagram explaining a channel selection scenario of a hybridservice according to Solution 1.

FIG. 6 A diagram showing a structure of signaling information accordingto Solution 2.

FIG. 7 A diagram explaining a channel selection scenario of a basicservice according to Solution 2.

FIG. 8 A diagram explaining a channel selection scenario of a hybridservice according to Solution 2.

FIG. 9 A diagram for explaining a scenario in the case where atransition from the basic service to the hybrid service is made.

FIG. 10 A diagram for explaining a scenario in the case where anacquisition source of streams is changed in the hybrid service.

FIG. 11 A diagram for explaining another scenario in the case where theacquisition source of the streams is changed in the hybrid service.

FIG. 12 A diagram for explaining a scenario in the case where atransition from the hybrid service to the basic service is made.

FIG. 13 A diagram for explaining another scenario in the case where atransition from the hybrid service to the basic service is made.

FIG. 14 A diagram showing a syntax of an SCD common to Solutions 1 and2.

FIG. 15 A diagram showing an SPD according to Solution 1.

FIG. 16 A diagram showing an SPD according to Solution 2.

FIG. 17 A diagram showing details of a ComponentLocation element.

FIG. 18 A diagram showing an SPD common to Solutions 1 and 2.

FIG. 19 A diagram showing a syntax of a Protocol Version Descriptor.

FIG. 20 A diagram showing a syntax of an NRT Service Descriptor.

FIG. 21 A diagram showing a syntax of a Capability Descriptor.

FIG. 22 A diagram showing a syntax of an Icon Descriptor.

FIG. 23 A diagram showing a syntax of an ISO-639 Language Descriptor.

FIG. 24 A diagram showing a syntax of a Receiver Targeting Descriptor.

FIG. 25 A diagram showing a syntax of an Associated Service Descriptor.

FIG. 26 A diagram showing a syntax of a Content Advisory Descriptor.

FIG. 27 A diagram showing a syntax of an AVC Video Descriptor.

FIG. 28 A diagram showing a syntax of an HEVC Video Descriptor.

FIG. 29 A diagram showing a syntax of an MPEG4 AAC Audio Descriptor.

FIG. 30 A diagram showing a syntax of an AC3 Audio Descriptor.

FIG. 31 A diagram showing a syntax of Caption Parameters.

FIG. 32 A diagram showing a configuration example of a broadcastcommunication system.

FIG. 33 A diagram showing a configuration example of a transmissionapparatus.

FIG. 34 A diagram showing a configuration example of an Internet server.

FIG. 35 A diagram showing a configuration example of a receptionapparatus.

FIG. 36 A flowchart explaining transmission processing.

FIG. 37 A flowchart explaining streaming delivery processing.

FIG. 38 A flowchart explaining signaling information-providingprocessing.

FIG. 39 A flowchart explaining channel selection processing.

FIG. 40 A diagram showing a configuration example of a computer.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be describedwith reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions will be made inthe following order.

1. Outline of Digital Broadcasting in IP Transmission System

2. Solution 1

(1) Structure of Signaling Information

(2) Specific Application Example

3. Solution 2

(1) Structure of Signaling Information

(2) Specific Application Example

4. Common to Solutions 1 and 2

(1) Structure of Signaling Information

(2) Specific Application Example

5. Syntax

(1) Syntax of SCD

(2) Syntax of SPD

6. System Configuration

7. Flows of Processing Executed by Apparatuses

8. Configuration of Computer

<1. Outline of Digital Broadcasting in IP Transmission System>

(Protocol Stack)

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a protocol stack of digital broadcasting inan IP transmission system.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lowest layer is a physical layer. The frequencyband of broadcast waves assigned for a service (channel) corresponds tothis. An upper layer that is adjacent to the physical layer is an IPlayer sandwiching a BBP stream (Base Band Packet Stream) therebetween.The BBP stream is a stream including packets storing various types ofdata of the IP transmission system.

The IP layer corresponds to an IP (Internet Protocol) in the TCP/IPprotocol stack. IP packets are identified by IP addresses. An upperlayer adjacent to the IP layer is a UDP layer. In a further upper layer,RTP and FLUTE/ALS are shown. Thus, in the digital broadcasting in the IPtransmission system, packets in which a port number of a UDP (UserDatagram Protocol) is specified are transmitted and an RTP (Real timeTransport Protocol) session or a FLUTE (File Delivery overUnidirectional Transport) session is established, for example.

In an upper layer adjacent to the FLUTE/ALS, fMP4 (Fragmented MP4) isshown. In addition, in an upper layer adjacent to the RTP and the fMP4,video data (Video), audio data (Audio), and closed caption data (ClosedCaption) are shown, for example. Thus, the RTP session is used when thevideo data and the audio data are transmitted as streams, and the FLUTEsession is used when the video data and the audio data are transmittedas files.

Further, in an upper layer of the FLUTE/ALS, NRT content, ESG, and SCSare shown. The NRT content, ESG, and SCS are transmitted through theFLUTE session. The NRT content is content transmitted by NRT (Non-RealTime) broadcasting, stored in storage of a receiver, and thenreproduced. Note that the NRT content is an example of the content andother content files may be transmitted through the FLUTE session. TheESG is an electronic service guide.

The SCS (Service Channel Signaling) is signaling information in units ofservices and transmitted through the FLUTE session. For example, USD(User Service Description), MPD (Media Presentation Description), SDP(Session Description Protocol), FDD (File Delivery Description), SPD(Service Parameter Description), and IS (Initialization Segment) aretransmitted as the SCS.

LLS (Low Layer Signaling) is low-layer signaling information andtransmitted in the BBP stream. For example, service configurationinformation items such as SCD (Service Configuration Description), EAD(Emergency Alerting Description), and RRD (Region Rating Description)are transmitted as the LLS.

(Configuration of Broadcast Wave in IP Transmission System)

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast wave of thedigital broadcasting in the IP transmission system.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of BBP streams are transmitted in abroadcast wave (RF Channel) having a predetermined frequency band.Further, each of the BBP streams includes an NTP (Network TimeProtocol), a plurality of service channels, an electronic service guide(ESG Service), and an LLS. Note that the NTP, the service channels, andthe electronic service guide are transmitted according to a UDP/IPprotocol while the LLS is transmitted in the BBP stream. Further, theNTP is time information and can be common to the plurality of servicechannels.

The service channels (hereinafter, referred to as “services”) includecomponents such as video, audio, and closed captions, which areinformation items configuring a program, and an SCS such as USD and SPD.A common IP address is added to the services. Using this IP address, thecomponents, the SCS, and the like can be packaged for one or moreservices.

An RF channel ID (RF channel id) is assigned to a broadcast wave (RFChannel) having a predetermined frequency band. Further, a BBP stream ID(BBP stream id) is assigned to one or more BBP streams transmitted byeach broadcast wave. In addition, a service ID (service id) is assignedto one or more services transmitted by each of the BBP streams.

Such a configuration corresponding to a combination of network ID(network id), transport stream ID (transport stream id), and service ID(service id) used in the MPEG2-TS (Moving Picture Expert Group2-Transport Stream) system (hereinafter, referred to as “triplet”) isemployed as the ID system of the IP transmission system. This tripletindicates a BBP stream configuration and a service configuration in abroadcasting network.

The use of this ID system can achieve compatibility with the currentlywidely spread MPEG2-TS system, and hence it is possible to easilyperform simulcast during transition from the MPEG2-TS system to the IPtransmission system, for example. It should be noted that the RF channelID and the BBP stream ID in the ID system of the IP transmission systemcorrespond to the network ID and the transport stream ID in the MPEG2-TSsystem, respectively.

<2. Solution 1>

By the way, if a hybrid service is introduced into the digitalbroadcasting in the IP transmission system, it is necessary to describeinformation relating to broadcasting and communication in signalinginformation. Thus, an increase in data size of the signaling informationtransmitted by broadcasting is assumed. Therefore, the data size isrequired to be reduced. In view of this, as a method for addressing thisrequirement, two solutions, Solution 1 and Solution 2 will be proposedin the present technology. Solution 1 will be first described.

(1) Structure of Signaling Information

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of signaling informationaccording to Solution 1. In FIG. 3, different acquisition sources forsignaling information and components are in a left-hand region and aright-hand region with respect to a boundary line shown as the bold lineextending in a vertical direction of the figure. The left-hand regionshows “broadcasting acquisition” in which the acquisition source isbroadcasting and the right-hand region shows “communication acquisition”in which the acquisition source is communication.

As the signaling information in the broadcasting acquisition in theleft-hand region of the figure, LLS (Low Layer Signaling) and SCS(Service Channel Signaling) are provided. The LLS is acquired when thereceiver performs initial scanning, for example. SCD, EAD, and RRD areacquired as the LLS. The SCD (Service Configuration Description) employsthe triplet used in the MPEG2-TS system. This triplet indicates the BBPstream configuration and the service configuration in the broadcastingnetwork. The SCD further includes information on an IP address and thelike serving as attribute/setting information in units of services,bootstrap information for acquiring the SCS and ESG, and the like. TheSCD further includes, if the signaling information is transmitted bycommunication, information relating to the signaling informationtransmitted by communication.

The EAD (Emergency Alerting Description) includes information relatingto emergency notice. The RRD (Region Rating Description) includes ratinginformation. Note that the SCD, EAD, and RRD are described with a markuplanguage, for example, an XML (Extensible Markup Language).

The SCS is transmitted through the FLUTE session, and hence acquiredaccording to IP address, port number, and TSI described in SCS bootstrapinformation of the SCD. USD, MPD, SDP, FDD, SPD, and IS are acquired asthe SCS. The USD (User Service Description) includes link informationfor referring to the MPD, SDP, and FDD. Note that the USD is in somecases called USBD (User Service Bundle Description). The MPD (MediaPresentation Description) includes information on URLs (Uniform ResourceLocators) and the like for streams (components) transmitted in units ofservices. Note that the MPD complies with the MPEG-DASH (Moving PictureExpert Group-Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) standard.

The SDP (Session Description Protocol) includes a service attribute inunits of services, component configuration information, a componentattribute, component filter information, component location information,and the like. The FDD (File Delivery Description) includes, as indexinformation for each TSI (Transport Session Identifier), locationinformation (e.g., URL) and information on TOI (Transport ObjectIdentifier) and the like. Note that the FDD may be included as anelement in the USD.

The SPD (Service Parameter Description) includes various parametersdefined at a service level and a component level. The SPD furtherincludes, if the signaling information is transmitted by communication,information relating to the signaling information transmitted bycommunication. The IS (Initialization Segment) is control informationthat is, if (files of) the components are segmented and transmitted assegments complying with the ISO Base Media File Format standard,transmitted together with media segments storing segment data. Note thatthe IS transmitted in units of components such as video and audio.

If the components such as the video and audio are transmitted as streamsin units of segments by broadcasting through the FLUTE, a segmenttransmitted through the FLUTE session is determined by using thesignaling information such as the SDP, FDD, and IS and a broadcastcomponent is acquired.

On the other hand, the USD, MPD, SDP, FDD, SPD, and IS are acquired asthe signaling information in the communication acquisition on theright-hand side of the figure. That is, the signaling informationtransmitted by communication has a signaling system identical to that ofthe SCS in the broadcasting acquisition. This signaling information isacquired according to a URL of a signaling server that is described inthe SCD transmitted by broadcasting. If the signaling information istransmitted by communication, the URL of the signaling server thatprovides the signaling information is described in the SPD acquired bybroadcasting, and hence the signaling information may be acquiredaccording to that URL. That is, the SCD is acquired during initialscanning or the like, and hence the URL described in the SCD is astationary URL (Fixed URL). On the other hand, the SPD is acquiredduring channel selection or the like, and hence it can be said that theURL described in the SPD is a dynamic URL.

Then, if the components such as the video and audio are transmitted asstreams by broadcasting through the FLUTE in units of segments, asegment is determined by using the signaling information such as theSDP, FDD, and IS, and a broadcast component (Component) is acquired. Ifthe components are, as the streams, transmitted by communication inunits of segments, a segment is determined by using the signalinginformation such as the MPD and a communication component (Component) isacquired. Note that the files of the USD, MPD, SDP, FDD, SPD, IS, andthe like acquired by communication can be handled as a single file inthe ZIP file format, for example.

As described above, in the signaling information acquired bybroadcasting, only the information relating to the broadcast component(stream) transmitted by broadcasting is described and the informationrelating to the communication component (stream) transmitted bycommunication is not described. Therefore, the increase in data size ofsignaling information transmitted by broadcasting can be suppressed. Incontrast, in the signaling information acquired by communication, theinformation relating to the broadcast component (stream) transmitted bybroadcasting and the information relating to the communication component(stream) transmitted by communication are both described. The signalinginformation transmitted by communication is acquired via the Internet,and hence there is less need to worry about the data size in comparisonwith the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting. Thus, thisis not an issue.

(2) Specific Application Example

Next, a specific application example according to Solution 1 will bedescribed. Here, a service formed of only streams transmitted bybroadcasting (hereinafter, referred to as “basic service”) and a serviceformed of streams transmitted by broadcasting and communication(hereinafter, referred to as “hybrid service”) will be described in thestated order.

(2-1) Basic Service

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a channel selection scenario of thebasic service according to Solution 1.

In FIG. 4, a transmitter of a broadcasting station (broadcaster)transmits, through a broadcast wave (RF Channel) of the digitalbroadcasting using the IP transmission system, components and signalinginformation configuring each service in a BBP stream. It should be notedthat the above-mentioned ID system is employed in this digitalbroadcasting. Further, files of the components and signaling informationare transmitted through the FLUTE session. In the basic service, onlystreams transmitted by broadcasting are acquired and streams andsignaling information transmitted by communication from an Internetserver such as a streaming server and a signaling server are notacquired.

As shown in FIG. 4, a receiver placed in each house or the like acquiresan SCD transmitted in LLS by initial scanning and records it on an NVRAM(Procedure 1). This SCD includes SCS Bootstrap information in which IPaddress, port number, and TSI for acquiring the SCS are described. Whenthe user selects a particular service (basic service) (Procedure 2), thereceiver reads out the SCD from the NVRAM (Procedure 3), and isconnected to the SCS transmitted by a broadcast wave according to theSCS Bootstrap information and acquire signaling information (Procedures4 and 5).

The file of the SCS is being transmitted through the FLUTE session, andhence the signaling information such as the USD, MPD, SDP, and FDD isacquired by parsing data stored in LCT packets (Procedure 6). Although adeliveryMethod element is considered as a child element of the USD, forthe sake of description, it is shown separately from the USD in thefigure. Further, link information is described in the USD and this linkinformation is used for acquiring the MPD, SDP, and FDD. Those signalinginformation items are all included in the SCS, and hence all of them canalso be acquired from it.

In AdaptationSet elements of the MPD, Representation elements areprovided and components transmitted as streams by broadcasting orcommunication are enumerated. In the Representation elements, segmentURLs indicating acquisition sources of the components are enumeratedother than representation IDs. In the example of the MPD of FIG. 4,video and audio components are enumerated in the Representation elementswithin the AdaptationSet elements. Further, in the deliveryMethodelement of the USD, information for identifying a delivery mode for thecomponents is specified.

In the channel selection scenario of FIG. 4, the basic service, that is,the component is transmitted only by broadcasting, and hence abroadcastAppService element is provided in the deliveryMethod elementand the URL of the component transmitted by broadcasting is specified ina basepattern element. By matching the segment URLs described in the MPDwith the URL described in the deliveryMethod element, it is determinedthat the video and audio components enumerated in the MPD are beingtransmitted by broadcasting (Procedure 7).

Further, tsi attribute, contentLocation attribute, and toi attribute aredescribed in the FDD. In the tsi attribute, a TSI (Transport SessionIdentifier) that is identification information of each FLUTE session arespecified. Further, in the toi attribute, an TOI (Transport ObjectIdentifier) that is identification information of a plurality of objectstransmitted in each FLUTE session is specified. In the contentLocationattribute, the URL of the file is specified. By matching the segmentURLs described in the MPD with the URLs described in the FDD, the TSIand TOI for acquiring the components enumerated in the MPD aredetermined (Procedure 8). In addition, by referring to the SPD, IPaddresses and port numbers for acquiring those video and audiocomponents are determined (Procedure 8).

In this manner, the IP address, port number, TSI, and TOI for acquiringthe video component and the IP address, port number, TSI, and TOI foracquiring the audio component are acquired. Using the IP addresses, portnumbers, TSIs, and TOIs for the video and audio components, the receiveris connected to the video and audio streams being transmitted throughthe FLUTE session, and acquires the LCT packets (Procedures 9 and 10).Then, the receiver extracts segment data (media segment) stored in theLCT packets and temporarily stores it in a buffer for buffering(Procedures 11 and 12), and performs rendering (Procedure 13). Withthis, at the receiver, a picture of a program corresponding to theparticular service (basic service) selected by the user is displayed andat the same time sound synchronized with that picture is output.

As described above, in the basic service, the video and audio components(streams) are delivered only by broadcasting, and hence the informationrelating to those components is described in the signaling information(SCS) transmitted by broadcasting. Therefore, the receiver acquires thevideo and audio components (streams) on the basis of the signalinginformation transmitted by broadcasting. At this time, only theinformation relating to the components being transmitted by broadcastingis described in this signaling information, and hence the increase indata size can be suppressed. Note that the receiver not adapted for thehybrid service basically cannot be connected to the Internet, and hencecannot acquire the signaling information transmitted by communication.Even such a receiver can acquire the signaling information transmittedby broadcasting, and hence it is possible to view the program of thebasic service.

(2-2) Hybrid Service

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a channel selection scenario of ahybrid service according to Solution 1.

In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 4, the transmitter of the broadcasting station istransmitting, through a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting usingthe IP transmission system, components and signaling informationconfiguring each service in a BBP stream. Further, in the hybridservice, at the receiver, streams transmitted by communication are alsoacquired, and hence a stream of audio (A2: Audio2) is transmitted fromthe streaming server. Further, signaling information (e.g., ZIP file ofUSD) is transmitted from the signaling server.

As shown in FIG. 5, a receiver placed in each house or the like acquiresan SCD transmitted in LLS by initial scanning and records it on an NVRAM(Procedure 1). In this SCD, a SignalingOverinternet element, and ahybrid attribute and an url attribute as descendants thereof aredescribed. In the hybrid attribute, “basic” is specified in the case ofthe basic service and “hybrid” is specified in the case of the hybridservice. Therefore, “hybrid” is specified here. In the url attribute, aURL of a signaling server, for example, is specified as an acquisitionsource of the signaling information.

Note that the initial scanning is performed at the start of the use ofthe receiver, for example. Thus, it is not frequently performed.Therefore, even if, at the receiver adapted for the hybrid service,“hybrid” is specified as the hybrid attribute in theSignalingOverinternet element of the SCD acquired in the initialscanning, it is assumed that the streams of the basic service arereceived. That is, when “hybrid” is specified in this hybrid attribute,it can be said that it indicates that streams of the hybrid service maybe received.

When the user selects a particular service (hybrid service) (Procedure2), the receiver reads out the SCD from the NVRAM (Procedure 3), andaccesses the signaling server via the Internet according to the URLspecified as the url attribute of the SignalingOverinternet element,such that the signaling information such as the USD, MPD, SDP, and FDDis acquired (Procedures 4, 5, and 6).

In the example of the MPD of FIG. 5, video and audio components areenumerated in the Representation elements within the AdaptationSetelements. Further, in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 5, thehybrid service, that is, the component is transmitted by broadcastingand communication, and hence a broadcastAppService element and aunicastAppService element are provided in a deliveryMethod element ofthe USD. In a basepattern element of the broadcastAppService element, aURL of a component transmitted by broadcasting is specified. In abasepattern element of the unicastAppService element, a URL of acomponent transmitted by communication is specified.

By matching the segment URLs described in the MPD with the URLsdescribed in the deliveryMethod element of the USD, it is determinedthat, out of the components enumerated in the MPD, the video componentis being transmitted by broadcasting and the audio component is beingtransmitted by communication (Procedure 8). Further, by matching thesegment URLs described in the MPD with the URLs described in the FDD,the TSI and TOI for acquiring the video component transmitted bybroadcasting are determined (Procedure 9). In addition, by referring tothe SPD, the IP address and port number for acquiring the videocomponent are determined (Procedure 9). Note that the audio component istransmitted by communication, and hence the segment URL of the MPDcorresponding to this audio component is the URL of the streaming serverdelivering the component (stream) of the audio (A2: Audio2).

In this manner, the IP address, port number, TSI, and TOI for acquiringthe video component and the URL of the streaming server for acquiringthe audio component are acquired. Using the IP address, port number,TSI, and TOI of the video component, the receiver is connected to thevideo stream being transmitted through the FLUTE session, and acquiresLCT packets (Procedure 10-1). Then, the receiver extracts segment data(media segment) stored in the LCT packets (Procedure 12). Further, thereceiver accesses the streaming server via the Internet according to thesegment URL of the MPD, and is connected to the audio stream (Procedure10-2).

As a result, the video and audio streams are acquired (Procedure 11),and hence the receiver temporarily stores data of them in a buffer forbuffering (Procedure 13), and performs rendering (Procedure 14). Withthis, at the receiver, a picture of a program corresponding to theparticular service (hybrid service) selected by the user is displayedand at the same time sound synchronized with that picture is output.

As described above, in the hybrid service, the video and audiocomponents (streams) are delivered by broadcasting and communication,and hence the information relating to those components is described inthe signaling information transmitted by communication. Therefore, thereceiver acquires the video and audio components (streams) on the basisof the signaling information transmitted by communication. At this time,in this signaling information, the information items relating to thecomponents transmitted by broadcasting and communication are bothdescribed. However, in the case of the signaling information transmittedby communication, there is less need to worry about the data size incomparison with the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting.Thus, this is not an issue. Note that the receiver adapted for thehybrid service can be connected to the Internet as a premise, and henceeven if the signaling information is transmitted by communication, thisis not an issue.

<3. Solution 2>

Next, Solution 2 will be described. In Solution 2, the signalinginformation acquired by broadcasting is simplified in comparison withSolution 1 described above.

(1) Structure of Signaling Information

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of signaling informationaccording to Solution 2. In FIG. 6, as in FIG. 3, the left-hand regionshows the “broadcasting acquisition” and the right-hand region shows the“communication acquisition.” Further, out of the signaling informationin broadcasting acquisition in the left-hand region of the figure, theLLS is the same as that in FIG. 3 and the SCS is simplified incomparison with FIG. 3. That is, in FIG. 6, the SPD and the IS areacquired as the SCS.

Here, the SPD includes various parameters defined at the service leveland the component level. As this parameter at the component level,information (e.g., port number, TSI, and TOI) for acquiring thecomponent transmitted by broadcasting is described. Thus, a segmenttransmitted through the FLUTE session is determined and a broadcastcomponent (Component) is acquired.

On the other hand, as the signaling information in the communicationacquisition on the right-hand side of the figure, the USD, MPD, SDP,FDD, SPD, and IS are acquired as in FIG. 3. Then, by using the signalinginformation such as the SDP, FDD, and IS, a segment transmitted throughthe FLUTE session is determined and a broadcast component (Component) isacquired. Further, by using the signaling information such as the MPD, asegment is determined and a communication component (Component) isacquired.

As described above, information items for acquiring the broadcastcomponents (streams) transmitted by broadcasting are collected in theSPD, and hence the signaling information can be simplified without usingthe USD, MPD, SDP, and FDD. Further, in the structure of the signalinginformation according to Solution 2, as in Solution 1, in the signalinginformation acquired by the broadcasting, only the information relatingto the broadcast component (stream) transmitted by broadcasting isdescribed and the information relating to the communication componenttransmitted by communication (stream) is not described, and hence it ispossible to suppress the increase in data size of signaling informationtransmitted by broadcasting.

(2) Specific Application Example

Next, a specific application example according to Solution 2 will bedescribed, and, as in Solution 1 described above, channel selectionscenarios in the basic service and the hybrid service will be described.

(2-1) Basic Service

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a channel selection scenario of abasic service according to Solution 2.

In FIG. 7, as in FIG. 4, the transmitter of the broadcasting station istransmitting, through a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting usingthe IP transmission system, components and signaling informationconfiguring each service in a BBP stream. Further, in the basic service,streams transmitted by broadcasting are only acquired and streams andsignaling information transmitted by communication from the Internetserver are not acquired.

As shown in FIG. 7, a receiver placed in each house or the like acquiresan SCD transmitted in LLS by initial scanning and records it on an NVRAM(Procedure 1). This SCD includes SCS Bootstrap information in which IPaddress, port number, and TSI for acquiring the SCS are described. Whenthe user selects a particular service (basic service) (Procedure 2), thereceiver reads out the SCD from the NVRAM (Procedure 3), and isconnected to the SCS transmitted by a broadcast wave according to theSCS Bootstrap information and acquire the signaling information(Procedures 4 and 5).

The file of the SCS is being transmitted through the FLUTE session, andhence the signaling information such as the SPD is acquired by parsingdata stored in LCT packets (Procedure 6). Here, in the SPD, componentIdattribute, componentType attribute, and ComponentLocation element aredescribed as the parameters at the level of the components such as thevideo and audio. In the componentId attribute, a component ID isspecified. In the componentType attribute, type information of thecomponent is specified.

Further, in the ComponentLocation element, portNum attribute, tsiattribute, startToi attribute, and endToi attribute are described aslocation information for each component. That is, port number, TSI, andTOI are specified as information for acquiring the components (streams)transmitted by broadcasting. Note that, in the startToi attribute, astart value of the TOI if the TOI changes in time series is specified.Further, in the endToi attribute, an end value of the TOI if the TOIchanges in time series is specified. That is, by specifying the startToiattribute and the endToi attribute, that value is sequentiallyincremented from the start value to the end value of the TOI.

In this manner, the IP address, port number, TSI, and TOI for acquiringthe video component and the IP address, port number, TSI, and TOI foracquiring the audio component are acquired (Procedure 7). Using the IPaddresses, port numbers, TSIs, and TOIs for the video and audiocomponents, the receiver is connected to the stream being transmittedthrough the FLUTE session, and acquires the LCT packets (Procedures 8and 9). Then, the receiver extracts segment data (media segment) storedin the LCT packets and temporarily stores it in a buffer for buffering(Procedures 10 and 11), and performs rendering (Procedure 12). Withthis, at the receiver, a picture of a program corresponding to theparticular service (basic service) selected by the user is displayed andat the same time sound synchronized with that picture is output.

As described above, in the basic service, the video and audio components(streams) are delivered only by broadcasting, and hence the informationrelating to those components is described in the signaling information(SCS) transmitted by broadcasting. Therefore, the receiver acquires thevideo and audio components (streams) on the basis of the signalinginformation transmitted by broadcasting. At this time, only theinformation relating to the components being transmitted by broadcastingis described in this signaling information, and hence the increase indata size can be suppressed.

(2-2) Hybrid Service

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a channel selection scenario of ahybrid service according to Solution 2.

In FIG. 8, as in FIG. 4, the transmitter of the broadcasting station istransmitting, through a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting usingthe IP transmission system, components and signaling informationconfiguring each service in a BBP stream. Further, in the hybridservice, at the receiver, streams transmitted by communication are alsoacquired, and hence a stream of audio (A2: Audio2) is transmitted fromthe streaming server. Further, signaling information (e.g., ZIP fileincluding USD and the like) is being transmitted from the signalingserver.

As shown in FIG. 8, a receiver placed in each house or the like acquiresan SCD transmitted in LLS by initial scanning, and records it on anNVRAM (Procedure 1). In this SCD, a SignalingOverinternet element, and ahybrid attribute and an url attribute as descendants thereof aredescribed. In the hybrid attribute, “hybrid” is specified. Further, theURL of the signaling server, for example, is specified in the urlattribute. Note that, as described above, even when “hybrid” isspecified as the hybrid attribute in the SignalingOverinternet element,it is assumed that the streams of the basic service are received.Therefore, when “hybrid” is specified in this hybrid attribute, it canbe said that it indicates that streams of the hybrid service may bereceived.

When the user selects a particular service (hybrid service) (Procedure2), the receiver reads out the SCD from the NVRAM (Procedure 3), andaccesses the signaling server via the Internet according to the URLspecified as the url attribute of the SignalingOverinternet element, andaccesses the signaling server via the Internet, such that the signalinginformation such as the USD, MPD, SDP, and FDD is acquired (Procedures4, 5, and 6).

In the example of the MPD of FIG. 8, video and audio components areenumerated in the Representation elements within the AdaptationSetelements. Further, in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 8, thehybrid service, that is, the component is transmitted by broadcastingand communication, and hence the broadcastAppService element and theunicastAppService element are provided in the deliveryMethod element ofthe USD.

Then, by matching the segment URLs described in the MPD with the URLsdescribed in the deliveryMethod element of the USD, it is determinedthat, out of the components enumerated in the MPD, the video componentis being transmitted by broadcasting and the audio component is beingtransmitted by communication (Procedure 8). Further, by matching thesegment URLs described in the MPD with the URLs described in the FDD,the TSI and TOI for acquiring the video component transmitted bybroadcasting are determined (Procedure 9).

In addition, by referring to the SPD, the IP address and port number foracquiring the video component are determined (Procedure 9). Note thatthe audio component is transmitted by communication, and hence thesegment URL of the MPD corresponding to this audio component is the URLof the streaming server delivering the component (stream) of the audio(A2: Audio2).

In this manner, the IP address, port number, TSI, and TOI for acquiringthe video component and the URL of the streaming server for acquiringthe audio component are acquired. Using the IP address, port number,TSI, and TOI of the video component, the receiver is connected to thevideo stream being transmitted through the FLUTE session, and acquiresLCT packets (Procedure 10-1). Then, the receiver extracts segment data(media segment) stored in the LCT packets (Procedure 12). Further, thereceiver accesses the streaming server via the Internet according to thesegment URL of the MPD, and is connected to the audio stream (Procedure10-2).

As a result, the video and audio streams are acquired (Procedure 11),and hence the receiver temporarily stores data of them in a buffer forbuffering (Procedure 13), and performs rendering (Procedure 14). Withthis, in the receiver, a picture of a program corresponding to theparticular service (hybrid service) selected by the user is displayedand at the same time sound synchronized with that picture is output.

As described above, in the hybrid service, the video and audiocomponents (streams) are delivered by broadcasting and communication,and hence the information relating to those components is described inthe signaling information transmitted by communication. Therefore, thereceiver acquires the video and audio components (streams) on the basisof the signaling information transmitted by communication. At this time,in this signaling information, the information items relating to thecomponents transmitted by broadcasting and communication are bothdescribed. In the case of the signaling information transmitted bycommunication, there is less need to worry about the data size incomparison with the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting.Thus, this is not an issue.

<4. Solutions 1 and 2>

By the way, at the receiver, the selected particular service iscontinued in the hybrid service. However, when the program is changed,for example, a case where a transition from the basic service to thehybrid service is made, a case where a transition from the hybridservice to the basic service is made, and the like are conceivable otherthan a case where the acquisition source of streams is changed.Hereinafter, those cases will be described. It should be noted that thefollowing descriptions are common to Solution 1 and Solution 2, andhence descriptions of the both solutions will be made together, notseparately.

(1) Structure of Signaling Information

As the structure of the signaling information, either one structure ofthe structure of the signaling information according to Solution 1 (FIG.3) and the structure of the signaling information according to Solution2 (FIG. 6) is used.

(2) Specific Application Example

(2-1) Transition from Basic Service to Hybrid Service

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a scenario in the case where atransition from the basic service to the hybrid service is made.

In FIG. 9, as in FIG. 4, the transmitter of the broadcasting station istransmitting, through a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting usingthe IP transmission system, components and signaling informationconfiguring each service in a BBP stream. Further, in the hybridservice, at the receiver, streams transmitted by communication are alsoacquired, and hence a stream of audio (A2: Audio2) is being transmittedfrom the streaming server. Further, the signaling information is beingtransmitted from the signaling server.

As shown in FIG. 9, at the receiver placed in each house or the like,the particular service selected by the user is a basic service, andhence video and audio streams transmitted by broadcasting are acquiredby using signaling information transmitted by broadcasting. With this,at the receiver, a picture of a program corresponding to the basicservice is displayed and at the same time sound synchronized with thatpicture is output (Procedure 1). Note that this Procedure 1 correspondsto, in the case of Solution 1, the procedures in the channel selectionscenario of FIG. 4 and corresponds to, in the case of Solution 2, theprocedures in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 7.

At the receiver, the signaling information (SCS) transmitted bybroadcasting is acquired according to the SCS Bootstrap information ofthe SCD, and the contents of the SignalingOverinternet element describedin the SPD are constantly monitored (Procedure 2). Here, in theSignalingOverinternet element, the hybrid attribute and url attributeare described as the descendants thereof. In the hybrid attribute,“basic” is specified in the case of the basic service and “hybrid” isspecified in the case of the hybrid service. In the url attribute, theURL of the signaling server, for example, is specified as theacquisition source of the signaling information.

That is, if the service selected by the user is a basic service, “basic”is specified in the hybrid attribute. However, if this service istransitioned from the basic service to the hybrid service, the value ofthe hybrid attribute of the SignalingOverinternet element is changedfrom “basic” to “hybrid.” In this case, the receiver accesses thesignaling server via the Internet according to the URL specified as theurl attribute of the SignalingOverinternet element and acquires thesignaling information (Procedures 3 and 4).

Then, at the receiver, the video component transmitted by broadcastingand the audio component transmitted by communication are acquired byusing the signaling information transmitted by communication. With this,at the receiver, a picture of a program corresponding to the hybridservice is displayed and at the same time sound synchronized with thatpicture is output (Procedures 5 and 6). Note that Procedures 4 to 6corresponds to, in the case of Solution 1, the procedures in the channelselection scenario of FIG. 5 and corresponds to, in the case of Solution2, the procedures in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 8.

As described above, in the case where a transition from the basicservice to the hybrid service is made, in the basic service aftertransition, the video and audio components are delivered only bybroadcasting, and hence the information relating to those components isbeing described in the signaling information (SCS) transmitted bybroadcasting. Therefore, the receiver acquires the video and audiocomponents (streams) on the basis of the signaling informationtransmitted by broadcasting. At this time, only the information relatingto the components being transmitted by broadcasting is described in thissignaling information, and hence the increase in data size can besuppressed.

On the other hand, in the hybrid service after transition, the video andaudio components are being delivered by broadcasting and communication,and hence the information relating to those streams is described in thesignaling information transmitted by communication. Therefore, thereceiver acquires the video and audio components (streams) on the basisof the signaling information transmitted by communication. At this time,in this signaling information, the information items relating to thecomponents transmitted by broadcasting and communication are bothdescribed. In the case of the signaling information transmitted bycommunication, there is less need to worry about the data size incomparison with the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting.Thus, this is not an issue. By the way, even in the case where thetransition is made to the hybrid service, if the user wishes to view thebasic service, the receiver corresponds only to the basic service, orthe receiver is not connected to the Internet, the reception of thebasic service is still continued without referring to theSignalingOverinternet element.

(2-2) Change of Stream Acquisition Source in Hybrid Service

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a scenario in the case where theacquisition source of the streams is changed in the hybrid service.

In FIG. 10, as in FIG. 4, the transmitter of the broadcasting station istransmitting, through a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting usingthe IP transmission system, components and signaling informationconfiguring each service in a BBP stream. Further, in the hybridservice, at the receiver, streams transmitted by communication are alsoacquired, and hence an audio stream is being transmitted from thestreaming server. It should be noted that, in this hybrid service,different types of audio of programs are provided, and hence there areprovided a streaming server (Streaming Server1) that provides audio 2(A2) and a streaming server (Streaming Server2) that provides audio 3(A3). Further, signaling information (e.g., ZIP file including USD andthe like) is being transmitted from the signaling server.

As shown in FIG. 10, at the receiver placed in each house or the like,using the signaling information transmitted by communication, a videocomponent transmitted by broadcasting and an audio-2 componenttransmitted by communication from the streaming server (StreamingServer1) are acquired. With this, at the receiver, a picture of aprogram corresponding to the hybrid service is displayed and at the sametime sound corresponding to the audio 2 synchronized with that pictureis output (Procedure 1). Note that this Procedure 1 corresponds to, inthe case of Solution 1, the procedures in the channel selection scenarioof FIG. 5 and corresponds to, in the case of Solution 2, the proceduresin the channel selection scenario of FIG. 8.

Further, in the SignalingOverinternet element of the SPD in thesignaling information transmitted by communication, version attributeand minUpdatePeriod attribute are described other than the hybridattribute and url attribute. In the version attribute, versioninformation of the signaling information is specified. In theminUpdatePeriod attribute, an update interval of the signalinginformation is specified. Therefore, the receiver accesses the signalingserver at the update interval of the signaling information according tothe URL of the signaling server, and acquires the signaling information(Procedure 2). Then, the receiver checks the attribute values of thehybrid attribute and version attribute of the SPD, to thereby checkwhether or not the contents of the signaling information have beenupdated (Procedure 3).

In the scenario of FIG. 10, at a timing when the program of the hybridservice is changed, the contents of the signaling information areupdated and the audio is changed from the audio 2 to the audio 3.Therefore, at the receiver, using the updated signaling information, avideo component transmitted by broadcasting and a component of the audio3 transmitted by communication from the streaming server (StreamingServer2) are acquired (Procedures 4 and 5). With this, at the receiver,a picture of a program corresponding to the hybrid service is displayedand at the same time sound corresponding to the audio 3 synchronizedwith that picture is output. Note that those Procedures 4 and 5correspond to, in the case of Solution 1, the procedures in the channelselection scenario of FIG. 5 and correspond to, in the case of Solution2, the procedures in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another scenario in the case wherethe acquisition source of the streams is changed in the hybrid service.

FIG. 11 shows, as in FIG. 10, a scenario in the case where theacquisition source of the streams is changed in the hybrid service. Theyare different from each other in that the update of the signalinginformation is checked using the signaling information transmitted bycommunication in FIG. 10 while the update of the signaling informationis checked using the signaling information transmitted by broadcastingin FIG. 11.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, at the receiver placed in each houseor the like, using the signaling information transmitted bycommunication, a video component transmitted by broadcasting and anaudio-2 component transmitted by communication from the streaming server(Streaming Server1) are acquired. With this, at the receiver, a pictureof a program corresponding to the hybrid service is displayed and at thesame time sound corresponding to the audio 2 synchronized with thatpicture is output (Procedure 1). Note that this Procedure 1 correspondsto, in the case of Solution 1, the procedures in the channel selectionscenario of FIG. 5 and corresponds to, in the case of Solution 2, theprocedures in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 8.

The receiver is capable of acquiring the signaling information (SCS)transmitted by broadcasting according to the SCS Bootstrap informationof the SCD, and the contents of the SignalingOverinternet elementdescribed in the SPD are constantly monitored (Procedure 2). Then, thereceiver checks the attribute values of the hybrid attribute and versionattribute of the SPD, to thereby check whether or not the contents ofthe signaling information transmitted by communication have been updated(Procedure 3). If the signaling information transmitted by communicationhas been updated, the receiver accesses the signaling server accordingto the URL of the signaling server, and acquires the updated signalinginformation (Procedure 4).

In the scenario of FIG. 11, as in the scenario of FIG. 10, at a timingwhen the program of the hybrid service is changed, the contents of thesignaling information are updated and the audio is changed from theaudio 2 to the audio 3, and hence, at the receiver, a video componenttransmitted by broadcasting and a component of the audio 3 transmittedby communication from the streaming server (Streaming Server2) areacquired by using the updated signaling information (Procedures 5 and6). With this, at the receiver, a picture of a program corresponding tothe hybrid service is displayed and at the same time sound correspondingto the audio 3 synchronized with that picture is output. Note that thoseProcedures 5 and 6 correspond to, in the case of Solution 1, theprocedures in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 5 and correspondto, in the case of Solution 2, the procedures in the channel selectionscenario of FIG. 8.

As described above, in the case where the acquisition source of thestreams is changed in the hybrid service, the video and audio components(streams) are delivered by broadcasting and communication, and hence theinformation relating to those components is described in the signalinginformation transmitted by communication. Therefore, the receiveracquires the video and audio components (streams) on the basis of thesignaling information transmitted by communication. At this time, inthis signaling information, the information items relating to thecomponents transmitted by broadcasting and communication are bothdescribed. In the case of the signaling information transmitted bycommunication, there is less need to worry about the data size incomparison with the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting.Thus, this is not an issue.

(2-3) Transition from Hybrid Service to Basic Service

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a scenario in the case where atransition from the hybrid service to the basic service is made.

In FIG. 12, as in FIG. 4, the transmitter of the broadcasting station istransmitting, through a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting usingthe IP transmission system, components and signaling informationconfiguring each service in a BBP stream. Further, in the hybridservice, at the receiver, streams transmitted by communication are alsoacquired, and hence an audio stream is being transmitted from thestreaming server. It should be noted that, in this hybrid service, audio(A2) and audio 3 (A3) are provided, and hence a plurality of streamingservers (Streaming Servers 1 and 2) are provided. Further, signalinginformation (e.g., ZIP file including USD and the like) is beingtransmitted from the signaling server.

As shown in FIG. 12, at the receiver placed in each house or the like,the particular service selected by the user is a hybrid service, andhence a video component transmitted by broadcasting and a component ofthe audio 3 transmitted by communication from the streaming server(Streaming Server2) is acquired by using the signaling informationtransmitted by communication. With this, at the receiver, a picture of aprogram corresponding to the hybrid service is displayed and at the sametime sound corresponding to the audio 3 synchronized with that pictureis output (Procedure 1). Note that this Procedure 1 corresponds to, inthe case of Solution 1, the procedures in the channel selection scenarioof FIG. 5 and corresponds to, in the case of Solution 2, the proceduresin the channel selection scenario of FIG. 8.

Further, in the signaling information transmitted by communication,other than the hybrid attribute, the version attribute, and the urlattribute, the minUpdatePeriod attribute and the endtime attribute aredescribed in the SignalingOverinternet element of the SPD. In theminUpdatePeriod attribute, an update interval of the signalinginformation is specified. In the endtime attribute, the point of time ofthe end of the communication acquisition of the signaling information isspecified. Therefore, the receiver accesses the signaling server at theupdate interval of the signaling information according to the URL of thesignaling server, and acquires the signaling information (Procedure 2).Then, the receiver checks the attribute value of the endtime attributeof the SPD, to thereby check whether or not to terminate thecommunication acquisition of the signaling information (Procedure 3).

When the communication acquisition of the signaling information isterminated, at the receiver, the signaling information (SCS) transmittedby broadcasting is acquired according to the SCS Bootstrap informationof the SCD (Procedure 4). That is, the signaling information is changedfrom the communication acquisition to the broadcasting acquisition and atransition from the hybrid service to the basic service is made.

Then, at the receiver, using signaling information (SCS) transmitted bybroadcasting, the video and audio components transmitted by broadcastingare acquired (Procedures 5 and 6). With this, at the receiver, a pictureof a program corresponding to the basic service is displayed and at thesame time sound synchronized with that picture is output. Note thatthose Procedures 5 and 6 correspond to, in the case of Solution 1, theprocedures in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 4 and correspondto, in the case of Solution 2, the procedures in the channel selectionscenario of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining another scenario in the case where atransition from the hybrid service to the basic service is made.

FIG. 13 shows, as in FIG. 12, the scenario in the case where atransition from the hybrid service to the basic service is made. Theyare different in that the end of the communication acquisition of thesignaling information is checked using the signaling informationtransmitted by communication in FIG. 12 while the end of thecommunication acquisition of the signaling information is checked usingthe signaling information transmitted by broadcasting in FIG. 13.

Specifically, at the receiver placed in each house or the like, theparticular service selected by the user is a hybrid service, and hence avideo component transmitted by broadcasting and a component of the audio3 transmitted by communication from the streaming server (StreamingServer2) are acquired by using the signaling information transmitted bycommunication. With this, at the receiver, a picture of a programcorresponding to the hybrid service is displayed and at the same timesound corresponding to the audio 3 synchronized with that picture isoutput (Procedure 1). Note that this Procedure 1 corresponds to, in thecase of Solution 1, the procedures in the channel selection scenario ofFIG. 5 and corresponds to, in the case of Solution 2, the procedures inthe channel selection scenario of FIG. 8.

The receiver is capable of acquiring the signaling information (SCS)transmitted by broadcasting according to the SCS Bootstrap informationof the SCD, and the contents of the SignalingOverinternet elementdescribed in the SPD are constantly monitored (Procedure 2). Then, thereceiver checks the attribute value of the endtime attribute of the SPD,to thereby check whether or not to terminate the communicationacquisition of the signaling information (Procedure 3). At the receiver,if the communication acquisition of the signaling information isterminated, the signaling information (SCS) transmitted by broadcastingis acquired according to the SCS Bootstrap information of the SCD(Procedure 4). That is, the signaling information is changed from thecommunication acquisition to the broadcasting acquisition and atransition from the hybrid service to the basic service is made.

Then, at the receiver, the video and audio components transmitted bybroadcasting are acquired by using signaling information (SCS)transmitted by broadcasting (Procedures 5 and 6). With this, at thereceiver, a picture of a program corresponding to the basic service isdisplayed and at the same time sound synchronized with that picture isoutput. Note that those Procedures 5 and 6 correspond to, in the case ofSolution 1, the procedures in the channel selection scenario of FIG. 4and correspond to, in the case of Solution 2, the procedures in thechannel selection scenario of FIG. 7.

As described above, in the case where a transition from the hybridservice to the basic service is made, in the hybrid service beforetransition, the video and audio components are being delivered bybroadcasting and communication, and hence the information relating tothose components is described in the signaling information transmittedby communication. Therefore, the receiver acquires the video and audiocomponents (streams) on the basis of the signaling informationtransmitted by communication. At this time, in this signalinginformation, the information items relating to the componentstransmitted by broadcasting and communication are both described. In thecase of the signaling information transmitted by communication, there isless need to worry about the data size in comparison with the signalinginformation transmitted by broadcasting. Thus, this is not an issue.

On the other hand, in the basic service after transition, the video andaudio components are delivered only by broadcasting, and hence theinformation relating to those components is being described in thesignaling information (SCS) transmitted by broadcasting. Therefore, thereceiver acquires the video and audio components (streams) on the basisof the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting. At this time,only the information relating to the components being transmitted bybroadcasting is described in this signaling information, and hence theincrease in data size can be suppressed.

<5. Syntax>

(1) Syntax of SCD

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a syntax of the SCD. Note that the SCD ofFIG. 14 is common to Solution 1 and Solution 2.

The SCD is described with a markup language, for example, an XML. Notethat, in FIG. 14, “@” is added to the attribute out of the element andthe attribute. Further, the indented elements and attributes are thosespecified with respect to upper-level elements thereof. The samerelationship between them applies to other syntaxes to be describedlater.

As shown in FIG. 14, the Scd element is an upper-level element ofmajorProtocolversion attribute, minorProtocolversion attribute,RFchannelId attribute, name attribute, Tuning_RF element, and BBPStreamelement.

In the majorProtocolversion attribute and the minorProtocolversionattribute, protocol version information is specified. In the RFchannelIdattribute, an RF channel ID of a broadcasting station in units ofphysical channels is specified. In the name attribute, the name of thebroadcasting station in units of physical channels is specified.

In the Tuning_RF element, information relating to the channel selectionis specified. The Tuning RF element is an upper-level element offrequency attribute and PreambleL1Pre attribute. In the frequencyattribute, a frequency in selecting a predetermined bandwidth isspecified. In the PreambleL1Pre attribute, control information of aphysical layer is specified.

In the BBPStream element, information relating to one or more BBPstreams is specified. The BBPStream element is an upper-level element ofbbpStreamId attribute, payloadType attribute, name attribute,ESGBootstrap element, ClockReferenceInformation element, Tuning_BBPSelement, and Service element.

In the bbpStreamId attribute, a BBP stream ID is specified. If aplurality of BBP streams are provided, they are identified bybbpStreamId attributes. In the payloadType attribute, a payload type ofthe BBP stream is specified. For example, “ipv4,” “ipv6,” or “ts” isspecified as this payload type. “Ipv4” indicates IPv4 (Internet Protocolversion 4). “Ipv6” indicates IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6). “Ts”indicates a TS (Transport Stream). In the name attribute, the name ofthe BBP stream is specified.

In the ESGBootstrap element, information on access to the ESG isspecified. The ESGBootstrap element is an upper-level element of anESGProvider element. In the ESGProvider element, information relating tothe ESG is specified for each ESG provider. The ESGProvider element isan upper-level element of providerName attribute, ESGBroadcastLocationelement, and ESGBroadbandLocation element.

In the providerName attribute, the name of the ESG provider isspecified. If an ESG is transmitted by broadcasting, theESGBroadcastLocation element specifies an ESG service, using RFchannelIdattribute, BBPStreamId attribute, and ESGServiceId attribute (triplet).In the RFchannelId attribute, an RF channel ID of a broadcasting stationthat transmits the ESG service is specified. In the BBPStreamIdattribute, an BBP stream ID of a BBP stream that transmits the ESGservice is specified. In the ESGServiceId attribute, a service ID of theESG service is specified.

If an ESG is transmitted by communication, the ESGBroadbandLocationelement specifies a URL for accessing a file of that ESG, using a ESGurl attribute.

In the ClockReferenceInformation element, information relating to timeinformation (e.g., NTP) is specified. The ClockReferenceInformationelement is an upper-level element of sourceIPAddress attribute,destinationIPAddress attribute, portNum attribute, andclockReferenceFormat attribute.

In the sourceIPAddress attribute and the destinationIPAddress attribute,IP addresses of source and destination for transmitting the timeinformation are specified. In the portNum attribute, a port number fortransmitting the time information is specified. In theclockReferenceFormat attribute, type information of the time informationis specified. For example, “NTPnormal” or “NTP27M” is specified as thistype information. “NTPnormal” indicates a normal NTP. Further, “NTP27M”indicates adaptability for a reference clock of 27 MHz of a PCR (ProgramClock Reference).

In the Tuning_BBPS element, the information relating to the channelselection for each BBP stream is specified. The Tuning_BBPS element isan upper-level element of plpId attribute and PreambleL1post element. Inthe plpId attribute, an PLP ID for identifying the BBP stream isspecified. Note that the PLP ID corresponds to the BBP stream ID. In thePreambleL1post element, control information of the physical layer isspecified.

In the Service element, information relating to one or more services isspecified. The Service element is an upper-level element of serviceIdattribute, serviceType attribute, hidden attribute, hiddenGuideattribute, shortName attribute, longName attribute, accesControlattribute, SourceOrigin element, SCS bootstrap element,SignalingOverinternet element, and Associated Service element.

In the serviceId attribute, the service ID is specified. If a pluralityof services are provided, they are identified by serviceId attributes.In the serviceType attribute, type information of the service isspecified. For example, “continuous,” “scripted,” or “esg” is specifiedas this type information. “Continuous” indicates a video/audio service.“Scripted” indicates an NRT service. “Esg” indicates an ESG service.

In the hidden attribute and the hiddenGuide attribute, whether or notthe service identified by the service ID is a hidden service isspecified. If “on” is specified as those attribute values, that serviceis set not to be displayed.

Further, if “off” is specified as those attribute values, that serviceis displayed. For example, if “on” is specified as the hidden attribute,that service is set not to be selected by an operation of a remotecontroller. Further, for example, if “on” is specified as thehiddenGuide attribute, that service is set not to be displayed in theESG.

In the shortName attribute and the longName attribute, the serviceidentified by the name of the service ID is specified. It should benoted that, in the shortName attribute, the name of the name of theservice has to be specified with at most seven letters. In theaccesControl attribute, whether or not the service identified by theservice ID has been encrypted is specified. If “on” is specified as theaccesControl attribute, it indicates that that service has beenencrypted and, if “off” is specified, it indicates that that service hasnot been encrypted.

In the SourceOrigin element, information for identifying the service isspecified. The SourceOrigin element is an upper-level element of countryattribute, original RFchannelId attribute, bbpStreamId attribute, andserviceId attribute. In the country attribute, a country code isspecified. In the original RFchannelId attribute, an original RF channelID is specified. The original RF channel ID is an ID for identifying thebroadcasting network and the same value is used therefor also when thatservice is re-transmitted. In the bbpStreamId attribute, the BBP streamID is specified. In the serviceId attribute, the service ID isspecified. That is, using the country code, original RF channel ID, BBPstream ID, and service ID, a specific ID can be assigned to eachservice.

In an SCS Bootstrap element, information on access to the service isspecified. The SCS Bootstrap element is an upper-level element of hybridattribute, sourceIPAddress attribute, destinationIPAddress attribute,portNum attribute, and tsi attribute. In the hybrid attribute,information indicating whether or not the signaling information adaptedfor the hybrid service is specified. For example, if “basic” isspecified as the hybrid attribute, it indicates adaptability for thebasic service and, if “hybrid” is specified as the hybrid attribute, itindicates adaptability for the hybrid service. In the sourceIPAddressattribute and the destinationIPAddress attribute, IP addresses of sourceand destination for transmitting the time information are specified. Inthe portNum attribute, the port number for transmitting the SCS isspecified. In the tsi attribute, the TSI in the FLUTE session thattransmits the SCS is specified.

In the SignalingOverinternet element, information relating to thesignaling information transmitted by communication is specified. TheSignalingOverinternet element is an upper-level element of hybridattribute and url attribute. In the hybrid attribute, informationindicating whether or not the signaling information adapted for thehybrid service is specified. For example, “basic” is specified as thehybrid attribute, it indicates adaptability for the basic service and,if “hybrid” is specified as the hybrid attribute, it indicatesadaptability for the hybrid service. In the url attribute, a URLindicating an acquisition source of the signaling information isspecified. For example, in the url attribute, a URL of the signalingserver is specified.

In the Associated Service element, information relating to an associatedslave service is specified. The Associated Service element is anupper-level element of RFchannelId attribute, bbpStreamId attribute, andserviceId attribute. In the RFchannelId attribute, an RF channel ID ofthe associated slave service is specified. In the bbpStreamId attribute,a BBP stream ID of the associated slave service is specified. In theserviceId attribute, a service ID of the associated slave service isspecified.

In FIG. 14, regarding cardinality, when “1” is specified, only oneelement or attribute is necessarily specified. When “0 . . . 1” isspecified, it is optional whether to specify an element or attribute.When “1 . . . n” is specified, one or more elements or attributes arespecified. When “0 . . . n” is specified, it is optional whether tospecify one or more elements or attributes. The same meanings of thecardinality as described above apply to other syntaxes to be describedlater.

(2) Syntax of SPD

(Syntax of SPD According to Solution 1)

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a syntax of the SPD according toSolution 1. That is, the SPD of FIG. 15 can be used in the channelselection scenario of the basic service of FIG. 4 or the channelselection scenario of the hybrid service of FIG. 5 that is describedabove. Note that the SCD is described with a markup language, forexample, an XML.

As shown in FIG. 15, an Spd element is an upper-level element ofserviceId attribute, spindicator attribute, Protocol VersionDescriptorelement, NRTServiceDescriptor element, CapabilityDescriptor element,IconDescriptor element, ISO639LanguageDescriptor element,ReceiverTargetingDescriptor element, AssociatedServiceDescriptorelement, ContentAdvisoryDescriptor element, and SignalingOverinternetelement.

In the serviceId attribute, the service ID is specified. In thespindicator attribute, whether or not each service identified by theservice ID has been encrypted is specified. If “on” is specified as thespindicator attribute, it indicates that that service has beenencrypted. If “off” is specified, it indicates that that service has notbeen encrypted.

In the Protocol VersionDescriptor element, information for indicatingwhat kind of service the data service is specified. In theNRTServiceDescriptor element, information relating to the NRT service isspecified. In the CapabilityDescriptor element, information relating toa function (capability) required of the receiver that receives theprovided NRT service is specified.

In the IconDescriptor element, information indicating an acquisitionsource of an icon used in the NRT service is specified. In theISO639LanguageDescriptor element, a language code of the NRT service isspecified. In the ReceiverTargetingDescriptor element, targetinformation on the NRT service is specified.

In the AssociatedServiceDescriptor element, information relating to theassociated slave service is specified. In the ContentAdvisoryDescriptorelement, information relating to the rating region is specified.

In the SignalingOverinternet element, information relating to thesignaling information transmitted by communication is specified. TheSignalingOverinternet element is an upper-level element of hybridattribute, version attribute, and url attribute. In the hybridattribute, information indicating whether or not it is the signalinginformation adapted for the hybrid service is specified. For example,“basic” is specified as the hybrid attribute, it indicates adaptabilityfor the basic service and, if “hybrid” is specified as the hybridattribute, it indicates adaptability for the hybrid service. In theversion attribute, version information of the signaling information isspecified. In the url attribute, a

URL indicating an acquisition source of the signaling information isspecified. For example, in the url attribute, a URL of the signalingserver is specified.

In the SPD, the various parameters at the service level are defined bythe above-mentioned Descriptor elements. Note that, in FIG. 15, theProtocol VersionDescriptor element, NRTServiceDescriptor element,CapabilityDescriptor element, IconDescriptor element,ISO639LanguageDescriptor element, and ReceiverTargetingDescriptorelement are those defined for the NRT service.

(Syntax of SPD According to Solution 2)

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a syntax of the SPD according to Solution2. That is, the SPD of FIG. 16 can be used in the channel selectionscenario of the basic service of FIG. 7 or the channel selectionscenario of the hybrid service of FIG. 8 that is described above.

As shown in FIG. 16, an Spd element is an upper-level element ofserviceId attribute, spindicator attribute, Protocol VersionDescriptorelement, NRTServiceDescriptor element, CapabilityDescriptor element,IconDescriptor element, ISO639LanguageDescriptor element,ReceiverTargetingDescriptor element, AssociatedServiceDescriptorelement, ContentAdvisoryDescriptor element, SignalingOverinternetelement, and Component element.

In the SPD of FIG. 16, the various parameters at the service level andthe component level are defined. The parameter at the service level isthe same as the SPD of FIG. 15.

For example, in the SignalingOverinternet element, information relatingto the signaling information transmitted by communication is specified.The SignalingOverinternet element is an upper-level element of hybridattribute, version attribute, and url attribute. In the hybridattribute, information indicating whether or not it is the signalinginformation adapted for the hybrid service is specified. For example, if“basic” is specified as the hybrid attribute, it indicates adaptabilityfor the basic service and, if “hybrid” is specified as the hybridattribute, it indicates adaptability for the hybrid service. In theversion attribute, version information of the signaling information isspecified. In the url attribute, a URL indicating an acquisition sourceof the signaling information is specified. For example, in the urlattribute, a URL of the signaling server is specified.

Note that the elements other than the SignalingOverinternet element arealso the same as the SPD of FIG. 15, and hence duplicated descriptionsthereof will be omitted. In the SPD of In FIG. 16, the variousparameters at the component level are defined by the Component element.

The Component element is an upper-level element of componentIdattribute, componentType attribute, componentEncription attribute,ComponentLocation element, TargetedDeviceDescriptor element,ContentAdvisoryDescriptor element, VideoParameters element,AudioParameters element, and CaptionParameters element.

In the componentId attribute, a component ID used for associating acomponent with another component in another table is specified. In thecomponentType attribute, type information of the component is specified.In the componentEncription attribute, whether or not each componentidentified by the component ID has been encrypted is specified. If “on”is specified as the componentEncription attribute, it indicates thatthat component has been encrypted. If “off” is specified, it indicatesthat that component has not been encrypted.

In the ComponentLocation element, component location information isspecified. Note that the detailed contents of the ComponentLocationelement will be described later with reference to FIG. 17. In theTargetedDeviceDescriptor element, information relating to the display ofthe device as a target is specified. In the ContentAdvisoryDescriptorelement, rating information in units of components is specified.

In the VideoParameters element, video parameters are specified. TheVideoParameters element is an upper-level element of AVCVideoDescriptorelement and HEVCVideoDescriptor element. That is, if AVC (Advanced VideoCoding) is used as the encoding method for the video data, theAVCVideoDescriptor element is specified, and, if HEVC (High EfficiencyVideo Coding) is used as the encoding method for the video data, theHEVCVideoDescriptor element is specified. Note that the AVC and

HEVC are examples of the encoding method for the video data, and, ifanother encoding method is used, the corresponding Video Descriptorelement will be specified.

In the AudioParameters element, audio parameters are specified. TheAudioParameters element is an upper-level element ofMPEG4AACAudioDescriptor element and AC3AudioDescriptor element. That is,if MPEG4AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is used as the encoding method forthe audio data, the MPEG4AACAudioDescriptor element is specified, and,if AC3 (Audio Code number 3) is used as the encoding method for theaudio data, the AC3AudioDescriptor element is specified. Note that theMPEG4AAC and AC3 are examples of the encoding method for the audio data,and, if another encoding method is used, the correspondingAudioDescriptor element will be specified.

In the CaptionParameters element, closed caption parameters arespecified.

(Detailed Contents of ComponentLocation element)

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing detailed contents of the ComponentLocationelement of FIG. 16.

In the ComponentLocation element, component location information isspecified. The ComponentLocation element is an upper-level element ofportNumber attribute, tsi attribute, startToi attribute, and endToiattribute. In the portNumber attribute, a port number of a targetedcomponent is specified. In the tsi attribute, an TSI of a FLUTE sessionin which a targeted component is transmitted is specified. In thestartToi attribute, the start value of the TOI in the case where the TOIis changed in a time sequence is specified. In the endToi attribute, theend value of the TOI in the case where the TOI is changed in a timesequence is specified. That is, by specifying the startToi attribute andthe endToi attribute, the value thereof is sequentially incremented fromthe start value to the end value of the TOI.

(Syntax of SPD Common to Solutions 1 and 2)

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a syntax of the SPD common to Solutions 1and 2. That is, the SPD of FIG. 18 can be used in the scenario of FIG.10, the scenario of FIG. 12, or the like that is described above.

As shown in FIG. 18, the Spd element is an upper-level element ofserviceId attribute, spindicator attribute, Protocol VersionDescriptorelement, NRTServiceDescriptor element, CapabilityDescriptor element,IconDescriptor element, ISO639LanguageDescriptor element,ReceiverTargetingDescriptor element, AssociatedServiceDescriptorelement, ContentAdvisoryDescriptor element, and SignalingOverinternetelement.

Although the various parameters at the service level are defined in theSPD of FIG. 18, descriptions of the parameters at the service level,which have the same contents as the SPD of FIG. 15 for Solution 1, willbe duplicated. Therefore, descriptions thereof will be appropriatelyomitted. That is, the SPD of FIG. 18 is different from the contents ofthe SignalingOverinternet element in comparison with the SPD of FIG. 15.Further, the description portion before the Component element in the SPDof FIG. 16 for Solution 2 will be replaced by the syntax of the SPD ofFIG. 18. That is, the SPD of FIG. 18 is different from the contents ofthe SignalingOverinternet element in comparison with the SPD of FIG. 16.

In the SignalingOverinternet element, information relating to thesignaling information transmitted by communication is specified. TheSignalingOverinternet element is an upper-level element of hybridattribute, version attribute, url attribute, minUpdatePeriod attribute,and endtime attribute. In the hybrid attribute, information indicatingwhether or not it is the signaling information adapted for the hybridservice is specified. For example, if “basic” is specified as the hybridattribute, it indicates adaptability for the basic service and, if“hybrid” is specified as the hybrid attribute, it indicates adaptabilityfor the hybrid service.

In the version attribute, version information of the signalinginformation is specified. In the url attribute, a URL indicating anacquisition source of the signaling information is specified. Forexample, in the url attribute, a URL of the signaling server isspecified. In the minUpdatePeriod attribute, information indicating anupdate interval of the signaling information is specified. In theendtime attribute, information indicating the point of time of the endof the communication acquisition of the signaling information isspecified.

Next, referring to FIGS. 19 to 31, a detailed structure of theDescriptor element described in the SPD will be described. Note thateach Descriptor element is described with a markup language, forexample, an XML. Further, in FIGS. 19 to 31, “@” is added to theattribute out of the element and the attribute. Further, the indentedelements and attributes are those specified with respect to upper-levelelements thereof.

(Protocol Version Descriptor)

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a syntax of a Protocol Version Descriptor.

In a Protocol Version Descriptor element, information for indicatingwhat kind of service the data service is specified. The Protocol VersionDescriptor element is an upper-level element of protocolIdentifierattribute, majorProtocolVersion attribute, and minorProtocolVersionattribute.

In the protocolIdentifier attribute, type information of the format ofthe data service is specified. For example, “A/90,” “NRT” is specifiedas this type information. “A/90” indicates a method of transmittinguniversal data. Further, “NRT” indicates a method of transmitting NRT

(Non-Real Time).

In the majorProtocolVersion attribute and the minorProtocolVersionattribute, the version of the data service is specified. In themajorProtocolVersion attribute, a major version is specified. In theminorProtocolVersion attribute, a minor version is specified.

(NRT Service Descriptor)

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a syntax of an NRT Service Descriptor.

In the NRTServiceDescriptor element, information relating to the NRTservice is specified. The NRTServiceDescriptor element is an upper-levelelement of ConsumptionModel attribute, autoUpdate attribute,storageReservarion attribute, and defaultContentSize attribute.

In the ConsumptionModel attribute, a transmission mode of the NRTservice is specified. For example, “B&D,” “push,” “portal,” “triggered”is specified as this transmission mode. “B&D” is the abbreviation ofBrowse and Download and a mode for downloading file data of an NRTcontent selected by the user. “Push” is a mode for providing acontracted NRT service as a push type. “Portal” is a mode fortransmitting and immediately displaying an HTML file or the like.“Triggered” is a mode for providing the application.

In the autoUpdate attribute, whether or not the NRT service has beenautomatically updated is specified. If “on” is specified as theautoUpdate attribute, it indicates that that NRT service isautomatically updated. If “off” is specified, it indicates that NRTservice is not automatically updated. In the storageReservarionattribute, a necessary storage volume is specified. The size per NRTcontent is specified in the defaultContentSize attribute.

(Capability Descriptor)

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a syntax of a Capability Descriptor.

In the Capability Descriptor element, information relating to thefunction (capability) required of the receiver that receives theprovided NRT service is specified. The Capability Descriptor element isan upper-level element of IndivisualCapabilityCodes element,IndivisualCapabilityString element, and CapabilityOrSets element.

The IndivisualCapabilityCodes element is an upper-level element ofessentialIndicator attribute, capabilityCode attribute, andformatIdentifier attribute. In the essentialIndicator attribute,information indicating whether or not the capability is essential isspecified. In the capabilityCode attribute, the code of the capabilitydetermined in advance is specified. That is, whether or not thecapability specified by the code of the capability is essential isspecified by the essentialIndicator attribute and capabilityCodeattribute. In the formatIdentifier attribute, if a code of thecapability is arbitrarily specified, a function (capability) that shouldbe assessed is specified.

The IndivisualCapabilityString element is an upper-level element ofessentialIndicator attribute, capabilityCategoryCode attribute, andcapabilityString attribute. In the essentialIndicator attribute,information indicating whether or not the capability is essential isspecified. In the capabilityCategoryCode attribute, a code for eachcategory of the capability is specified. That is, by theessentialIndicator attribute and the capabilityCategoryCode attribute,whether or not the capability specified by the code for each category ofthe capability is essential is specified. In the capabilityStringattribute, the function (capability) that should be assessed isspecified for each category of the capability.

The CapabilityOrSets element is specified in the case of specifying theassessment for each code of the capability by the above-mentionedIndivisualCapabilityCodes element and the assessment for each code ofthe category of the capability by the IndivisualCapabilityString elementwith OR logic. Therefore, although the CapabilityOrSets element is anupper-level element of essentialIndicator attribute,CapabilityCodesInSets element, and CapabilityStringsInSets element, theessentialIndicator attribute corresponds to the above-mentionedessentialIndicator attribute.

Further, capabilityCode attribute and formatIdentifier attribute in theCapabilityCodesInSets element correspond to the capabilityCode attributeand the formatIdentifier attribute in the above-mentionedIndivisualCapabilityCodes element, respectively. In addition,capabilityCategoryCode attribute and capabilityString attribute in theCapabilityStringsInSets element correspond to the capabilityCategoryCodeattribute and the capabilityString attribute in the above-mentionedIndivisualCapabilityString element, respectively.

(Icon Descriptor)

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a syntax of an Icon Descriptor.

In the IconDescriptor element, the information indicating theacquisition source of the icon used in the NRT service is specified. TheIconDescriptor element is an upper-level element of a content linkageattribute. In the content linkage attribute, a URL indicating theacquisition source of the icon is specified.

(ISO-639 Language Descriptor)

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a syntax of an ISO-639 Language Descriptor.

In the ISO639LanguageDescriptor element, a language code of the NRTservice is specified. The ISO639LanguageDescriptor element is anupper-level element of a languageCode attribute. In the languageCodeattribute, a language code defined by ISO 639 is specified.

(Receiver Targeting Descriptor)

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a syntax of a Receiver TargetingDescriptor.

In the ReceiverTargetingDescriptor element, target information on theNRT service is specified. The ReceiverTargetingDescriptor element is anupper-level element of a TargetEntry element. The TargetEntry element isan upper-level element of geoLocation attribute, postalCode attribute,and demographic category attribute.

In the geoLocation attribute, a geographical position as a target of theNRT service is specified. In the postalCode attribute, a postal code ofa region as the target of the NRT service is specified. In thedemographic category attribute, a category of users as targets of theNRT service is specified. For example, “males,” “females,” or “Ages12-17” is specified as this category. “Males” indicates that the targetsof the NRT service are males. “Females” indicates that the targets ofthe NRT service are females. “Ages 12-17” indicates that the targets ofthe NRT service are 12 to 17 years old.

(Associated Service Descriptor)

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a syntax of an Associated ServiceDescriptor.

In the AssociatedServiceDescriptor element, the information relating tothe associated slave service is specified. TheAssociatedServiceDescriptor element is the upper-level element of theRFchannelId attribute, BBPStreamId attribute, and serviceId attribute.In the RFchannelId attribute, an RF channel ID is specified. In theBBPStreamId attribute, a BBP stream ID is specified. In the serviceIdattribute, a service ID is specified. That is, the associated slaveservice is specified by the triplet.

(Content Advisory Descriptor)

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a syntax of a Content Advisory Descriptor.

In a Content Advisory Descriptor element, information relating to therating region is specified. The Content Advisory Descriptor element isthe upper-level element of the version attribute and RatingRegionelement. In the version attribute, RRT version information is specified.

The RatingRegion element is an upper-level element of the ratingRegionIdattribute and RatingDimension element. In the ratingRegionId attribute,a rating region ID is specified. The RatingDimension element is anupper-level element of dimensionIndex attribute, ratingValue attribute,and ratingTag attribute. Rating information, for example, how to set theage limit is specified by those attributes.

(AVC Video Descriptor)

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a syntax of an AVC Video Descriptor.

If AVC is used as the encoding method for the video data, in the AVCVideo Descriptor element, information relating to the contents of a AVCcodec is specified. An AVCVideo Descriptor element is an upper-levelelement of profileIdc attribute, constraintSet0 attribute,constraintSet1 attribute, constraintSet2 attribute, AVCCompatibleFlagsattribute, levelIdc attribute, stillPresent attribute, and 24HourPictureattribute.

Information relating to the contents of the AVC codec is specified bythose attributes.

(HEVC Video Descriptor)

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a syntax of an HEVC Video Descriptor.

If HEVC is used as the encoding method for the video data, informationrelating to the contents of an HEVC codec is specified in theHEVCVideoDescriptor element. The HEVCVideoDescriptor element is anupper-level element of profileSpace attribute, tierFlag attribute,profileIdc attribute, profileCompatibilityIndication attribute,progressiveSourceFlag attribute, nonPackedConstraintFlag attribute,frameOnlyConstraintFlag attribute, levelIdc attribute,temporalLayerSubsetFlag attribute, stillPresent attribute, 24HourPictureattribute, temporalIdMin attribute, and temporalIdMax attribute.Information relating to the contents of the HEVC codec is specified asthose attributes.

(MPEG4 AAC Audio Descriptor)

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a syntax of an MPEG4 AAC Audio Descriptor.

If MPEG4AAC is used as the encoding method for the audio data,information relating to the contents of an AAC codec is specified in theMPEG4AACAudioDescriptor element. The MPEG4AACAudioDescriptor element isan upper-level attribute of profile attribute, level attribute,channelConfig attribute, AACServiceType attribute, receiverMixRqdattribute, mainId attribute, asvc attribute, language attribute, andcomponentName attribute. Information relating to the contents of the AACcodec is specified by those attributes.

(AC3 Audio Descriptor)

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a syntax of an AC3 Audio Descriptor.

If AC3 is used as the encoding method for the audio data, in theAC3AudioDescriptor element, information relating to the contents of anAC3 codec is specified. The AC3AudioDescriptor element is an upper-levelelement of sampleRateCode attribute, bsId attribute, bitRateCodeattribute, bsMod attribute, numChannels attribute, fullSvc attribute,langcod attribute, mainId attribute, priority attribute, textCodattribute, and language attribute. Information relating to the contentsof the AC3 codec is specified by those attributes.

(Caption Parameters)

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a syntax of Caption Parameters.

In a Caption Parameters element, information relating to the contents ofthe closed caption is specified. The Caption Parameters element is anupper-level element of captionServiceNumber attribute, languageattribute, easyReader attribute, and wideAspectRatio attribute.Information relating to the contents of the closed caption is specifiedby those attributes.

Note that the syntaxes of the SCD, the SPD, and the Descriptor elementsof the SPD that are described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 31 areexamples and other syntaxes can be employed.

<6. System Configuration>

(Configuration of Broadcast Communication System)

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the broadcastcommunication system.

As shown in FIG. 32, a broadcast communication system 1 is constitutedof a data providing server 10, a transmission apparatus 20, a streamingserver 30, a signaling server 40, and a reception apparatus 60. In FIG.32, the reception apparatus 60 is mutually connected to the streamingserver 30 and the signaling server 40 via the Internet 90. Note that, inFIG. 32, the data providing server 10, the streaming server 30, and thesignaling server 40 constitute the Internet server.

The data providing server 10 provides components such as video data andaudio data to the transmission apparatus 20 and the streaming server 30.Further, the data providing server 10 provides original data ofsignaling information to the transmission apparatus 20 and the signalingserver 40.

The transmission apparatus 20 transmits the component provided from thedata providing server 10, through a broadcast wave of the digitalbroadcasting using the IP transmission system. Further, the transmissionapparatus 20 generates signaling information using the original data ofthe signaling information provided from the data providing server 10,and transmits it together with the component through a broadcast wave ofthe digital broadcasting using the IP transmission system. Note that thetransmission apparatus 20 corresponds to the above-mentioned transmitter(e.g., FIG. 4) and is provided by, for example, the broadcaster.

In response to a request from the reception apparatus 60, the streamingserver 30 streams and delivers the component provided from the dataproviding server 10, as a stream via the Internet 90. Note that thestreaming server 30 corresponds to the above-mentioned streaming server(e.g., FIG. 5) and is provided by, for example, the broadcaster.Further, a plurality of streaming servers 30 can be placed depending onthe application form.

The signaling server 40 generates signaling information using theoriginal data of the signaling information provided from the dataproviding server 10. The signaling server 40 requests, in response to arequest from the reception apparatus 60, the signaling information viathe Internet 90. Note that the signaling server 40 corresponds to theabove-mentioned signaling server (e.g., FIG. 5) and provided by, forexample, the broadcaster. Further, a plurality of signaling servers 40can be placed depending on the application form.

The reception apparatus 60 receives a broadcast wave of the digitalbroadcasting that is transmitted from the transmission apparatus 20, andacquires the signaling information transmitted by that broadcast wave ofthe digital broadcasting. Further, the reception apparatus 60 accessesthe signaling server 40 via the Internet 90, and acquires the signalinginformation provided from the signaling server 40.

On the basis of the signaling information acquired by broadcasting orcommunication, the reception apparatus 60 acquires the componenttransmitted by a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting transmittedfrom the transmission apparatus 20 or the component streamed/deliveredfrom the streaming server 30 via the Internet 90. The receptionapparatus 60 displays, on the basis of the component acquired bybroadcasting or communication, a picture on the display and outputssound synchronized with that picture from the speaker.

Note that the reception apparatus 60 corresponds to the above-mentionedreceiver (e.g., FIG. 4) and is placed in each house, for example.Further, the reception apparatus 60 may include a display and a speakeror may be incorporated in a television receiver, a video recorder, orthe like.

The broadcast communication system 1 is thus configured. Next, detailedconfigurations of the respective apparatuses constituting the broadcastcommunication system 1 in FIG. 32 will be described.

(Configuration of Transmission Apparatus)

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the transmissionapparatus of FIG. 32.

As shown in FIG. 33, the transmission apparatus 20 is constituted of acommunication unit 201, a segment data generator 202, a signalinginformation generator 203, a Mux 204, and a transmission unit 205.

The communication unit 201 is constituted of a component acquisitionunit 211 and a signaling information acquisition unit 212. The componentacquisition unit 211 acquires video data and audio data provided fromthe data providing server 10, and supplies them to the segment datagenerator 202. Further, the signaling information acquisition unit 212acquires the original data of the signaling information provided fromthe data providing server 10, and supplies it to the signalinginformation generator 203.

The segment data generator 202 generates, on the basis of the video dataand the audio data supplied from the component acquisition unit 211,segment data, and supplies it to the Mux 204. The signaling informationgenerator 203 generates, on the basis of the original data of thesignaling information supplied from the signaling informationacquisition unit 212, signaling information, and supplies it to the Mux204. Note that the data providing server 10 may provide the signalinginformation itself rather than the original data of the signalinginformation. In this case, the signaling information acquired by thesignaling information acquisition unit 212 is supplied to the Mux 204 asit is.

The Mux 204 multiplexes the segment data supplied from the segment datagenerator 202 and the signaling information supplied from the signalinginformation generator 203 to generate a BBP stream, and supplies it tothe transmission unit 205. The transmission unit 205 modulates the BBPstream supplied from the Mux 204, and transmits it as a broadcast waveof the digital broadcasting using the IP transmission system via anantenna 221. Note that, at this time, the segment data and the signalinginformation (SCS) are, for example, transmitted through the FLUTEsession.

(Configuration of Internet Server)

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the Internetserver of FIG. 32. As shown in FIG. 34, the Internet server isconstituted of the data providing server 10, the streaming server 30,and the signaling server 40.

(Configuration of Data Providing Server)

The data providing server 10 is constituted of a control unit 101,component storage 102, and a communication unit 103. The control unit101 controls operations of the respective units of the data providingserver 10. The component storage 102 stores various components such asvideo data and audio data and the original data of the signalinginformation.

The communication unit 103 provides, under the control of the controlunit 101, the components and the original data of the signalinginformation that are stored in the component storage 102, to thetransmission apparatus 20. Further, the communication unit 103 provides,under the control of the control unit 101, the components stored in thecomponent storage 102 to the streaming server 30. In addition, thecommunication unit 103 provides, under the control of the control unit101, the original data of the signaling information stored in thecomponent storage 102 to the signaling server 40.

(Configuration of Streaming Server)

The streaming server 30 is constituted of a control unit 301, acommunication unit 302, and a segment data generator 303. The controlunit 301 controls operations of the respective units of the streamingserver 30. The communication unit 302 supplies, under the control of thecontrol unit 301, the video data and the audio data provided from thedata providing server 10 to the segment data generator 303.

The segment data generator 303 generates a segment data on the basis ofthe video data and the audio data supplied from the communication unit302. The segment data generator 303 supplies, under the control of thecontrol unit 301, the segment data to the communication unit 302. Thecommunication unit 302 streams and delivers, in response to a requestfrom the reception apparatus 60, the segment data supplied from thesegment data generator 303 to the reception apparatus 60 via theInternet 90.

(Configuration of Signaling Server)

The signaling server 40 is constituted of a control unit 401, acommunication unit 402, and a signaling information generator 403. Thecontrol unit 401 controls operations of the respective units of thesignaling server 40. The communication unit 402 supplies, under thecontrol of the control unit 401, the original data of the signalinginformation provided from the data providing server 10, to the signalinginformation generator 403.

The signaling information generator 403 generates signaling informationon the basis of the original data of the signaling information suppliedfrom the communication unit 402. The signaling information generator 403supplies, under the control of the control unit 401, the signalinginformation to the communication unit 402. The communication unit 402provides, in response to a request from the reception apparatus 60, thesignaling information supplied from the signaling information generator403, to the reception apparatus 60 via the Internet 90.

Note that, in FIGS. 32 and 34, for the sake of description, the dataproviding server 10, the streaming server 30, and the signaling server40 are separate apparatuses as the Internet server. However, theInternet server only needs to include the functional configurationsshown in FIG. 34, and, for example, the data providing server 10, thestreaming server 30, and the signaling server 40 may be considered as asingle apparatus. In this case, for example, the duplicated functions ofthe control unit, the communication unit, and the like can get together.

(Configuration of Reception Apparatus)

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the receptionapparatus of FIG. 32.

As shown in FIG. 35, the reception apparatus 60 is constituted of acontrol unit 601, an NVRAM 602, an input unit 603, a tuner 604, a Demux605, a video selector 606, an audio selector 607, a communication unit608, a Demux 609, a video decoder 610, a video output unit 611, an audiodecoder 612, and an audio output unit 613.

The control unit 601 controls operations of the respective units of thereception apparatus 60. The NVRAM 602 is a nonvolatile memory andrecords various types of data under the control of the control unit 601.The input unit 603 supplies, according to user's operation, an operationsignal to the control unit 601. The control unit 601 controls, on thebasis of the operation signal supplied from the input unit 603,operations of the respective units of the reception apparatus 60.

Under the control of the control unit 601, the tuner 604 extracts, froma broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting using the IP transmissionsystem received via an antenna 621, a broadcasting signal of aparticular service, with respect to which a selection instruction hasbeen made, and demodulates it, and supplies the resulting BBP stream tothe Demux 605.

Under the control of the control unit 601, the Demux 605 demultiplexesthe BBP stream supplied from the tuner 604 into the video data and theaudio data and the signaling information and supplies the video data tothe video selector 606 and the audio data to the audio selector 607.Further, the Demux 605 supplies the signaling information to the controlunit 601. The control unit 601 controls, on the basis of the signalinginformation supplied from the Demux 605, operations of the respectiveunits for acquiring the component transmitted by broadcasting.

Note that, if the segment data and the signaling information are beingtransmitted through the FLUTE session, the Demux 605 performs, under thecontrol of the control unit 601, filtering processing using IP address,port number, TSI, TOI, and the like, to thereby obtain the video dataand the audio data and the signaling information.

Under the control of the control unit 601, the communication unit 608requests delivery of the stream from the streaming server 30, via theInternet 90. The communication unit 608 receives the streamstreamed/delivered from the streaming server 30 via the Internet 90 andsupplies it to the Demux 609.

The Demux 609 demultiplexes, under the control of the control unit 601,the stream supplied from the communication unit 608 into the video dataand the audio data, and supplies the video data to the video selector606 and supplies the audio data to the audio selector 607. Note that,for example, if the stream delivered from the streaming server 30 isonly the audio, the Demux 609 supplies that audio data to the audioselector 607 without demultiplexing the component.

Further, under the control of the control unit 601, the communicationunit 608 requests the signaling information from the signaling server 40via the Internet 90. The communication unit 608 receives the signalinginformation transmitted from the signaling server 40 via the Internet 90and supplies it to the control unit 601. On the basis of the signalinginformation supplied from the communication unit 608, the control unit601 controls operations of the respective units for acquiring thecomponent transmitted by broadcasting or communication.

Under the control of the control unit 601, the video selector 606supplies either one of the video data supplied from the Demux 605 andthe video data supplied from the Demux 609 to the video decoder 610.

The video decoder 610 decodes the video data supplied from the videoselector 606 and supplies it to the video output unit 611. The videooutput unit 611 supplies the video data supplied from the video decoder610 to a display (not shown) at the subsequent stage. With this, forexample, the picture of the program is displayed on the display.

The audio selector 607 supplies, under the control of the control unit601, either one of the audio data supplied from the Demux 605 and theaudio data supplied from the Demux 609 to the audio decoder 612.

The audio decoder 612 decodes the audio data supplied from the audioselector 607 and supplies it to the audio output unit 613. The audiooutput unit 613 supplies the audio data supplied from the audio decoder612 to a speaker (not shown) at the subsequent stage. With this, soundcorresponding to the picture of the program, for example, is output fromthe speaker.

<7. Flows of Processing Executed by Apparatuses>

Next, a flow of processing executed by the respective apparatusesconstituting the broadcast communication system 1 in FIG. 32 will bedescribed with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 36 to 39.

(Transmission Processing)

First, referring to a flowchart in FIG. 36, transmission processingexecuted by the transmission apparatus 20 of FIG. 32 will be described.

In Step S201, the component acquisition unit 211 acquires a componentprovided from the data providing server 10. Here, for example, videodata and audio data are acquired as the component and supplied to thesegment data generator 202. In Step S202, the segment data generator 202generates segment data on the basis of the video data and the audio datasupplied from the component acquisition unit 211, and supplies it to theMux 204.

In Step S203, the signaling information acquisition unit 212 acquiresthe original data of the signaling information provided from the dataproviding server 10, and supplies it to the signaling informationgenerator 203. In Step S204, the signaling information generator 203generates the signaling information on the basis of the original data ofthe signaling information supplied from the signaling informationacquisition unit 212, and supplies it to the Mux 204. Note that, if thesignaling information is provided from the data providing server 10, thesignaling information acquired by the signaling information acquisitionunit 212 will be supplied to the Mux 204.

In Step S205, the Mux 204 multiplies the segment data supplied from thesegment data generator 202 with the signaling information supplied fromthe signaling information generator 203, generates a BBP stream, andsupplies it to the transmission unit 205. In Step S206, the transmissionunit 205 modulates the BBP stream supplied from the Mux 204, andtransmits it as a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting using theIP transmission system, via the antenna 221.

Note that, at this time, the segment data and the signaling information(SCS) are, for example, transmitted through the FLUTE session. When theprocessing of Step S206 is terminated, the transmission processing ofFIG. 36 is terminated.

In the above, the transmission processing has been described.

(Streaming Delivery Processing)

Next, referring to a flowchart in FIG. 37, streaming delivery processingexecuted by the streaming server 30 of FIG. 32 will be described.

In Step S301, the communication unit 302 acquires, under the control ofthe control unit 301, the component provided from the data providingserver 10. Here, for example, video data and audio data are acquired asthe component and supplied to the segment data generator 303. In StepS302, under the control of the control unit 301, the segment datagenerator 303 generates segment data on the basis of the video data andthe audio data supplied from the communication unit 302.

In Step S303, the control unit 301 monitors the communication conditionof the communication unit 302, and determines whether or not a requestof the streaming delivery has been received from the reception apparatus60. In Step S303, after the request of the streaming delivery isreceived from the reception apparatus 60, the processing proceeds toStep S304.

In Step S304, under the control of the control unit 301, thecommunication unit 302 streams and delivers the segment data suppliedfrom the segment data generator 303, as a stream via the Internet 90 tothe reception apparatus 60. When the processing of Step S304 isterminated, the streaming delivery processing of FIG. 37 is terminated.

In the above, the streaming delivery processing has been described.

(Signaling Information-Providing Processing)

Next, referring to a flowchart in FIG. 38, the signalinginformation-providing processing executed by the signaling server 40 inFIG. 32 will be described.

In Step S401, the communication unit 402 acquires, under the control ofthe control unit 401, the original data of the signaling informationprovided from the data providing server 10, and supplies it to thesignaling information generator 403. In Step S402, under the control ofthe control unit 401, the signaling information generator 403 generatessignaling information on the basis of the original data of the signalinginformation supplied from the communication unit 402.

In Step S403, the control unit 401 monitors the communication conditionof the communication unit 402, and determines whether or not a requestof the signaling information has been received from the receptionapparatus 60. In Step S403, after the request of the signalinginformation is received from the reception apparatus 60, the processingproceeds to Step S404.

In Step S404, under the control of the control unit 401, thecommunication unit 402 provides the signaling information supplied fromthe signaling information generator 403, to the reception apparatus 60via the Internet 90. When the processing of Step S404 is terminated, thesignaling information-providing processing of FIG. 38 is terminated.

In the above, the signaling information-providing processing has beendescribed.

(Channel Selection Processing)

Finally, referring to a flowchart in FIG. 39, channel selectionprocessing executed by the reception apparatus 60 of FIG. 32 will bedescribed. Note that, it is assumed that the initial scanning isperformed preceding this channel selection processing in the receptionapparatus 60, and channel selection information such as the SCD isrecorded on the NVRAM 602.

In Step S601, on the basis of the operation signal supplied from theinput unit 603, the control unit 601 determines whether or not a channelselection operation has been made by the user. In Step S601, forexample, after the channel selection operation is made by user'soperation with respect to the remote controller, the processing proceedsto Step S602. In Step S602, the control unit 601 determines whether ornot to acquire the signaling information from the broadcast.

If it is in Step S602 determined to acquire the signaling informationfrom the broadcast, the processing proceeds to Step S603. In Step S603,the control unit 601 controls the Demux 605 according to the SCSBootstrap information of the SCD read out from the NVRAM 602, to beconnected to the SCS being transmitted by broadcasting, and acquires thesignaling information (SCS). Here, for example, in the case of the basicservice (FIG. 4, etc.), the component transmitted by broadcasting isonly acquired, and hence the signaling information transmitted bybroadcasting is acquired.

On the other hand, if it is in Step S602 determined that the signalinginformation is acquired from the communication, the processing proceedsto Step S604. In Step S604, the control unit 601 controls thecommunication unit 608 according to the URL specified as the urlattribute of the SignalingOverinternet element of the SCD read out fromthe NVRAM 602, and accesses the signaling server 40 via the Internet 90to acquire the signaling information. Here, for example, in the case ofthe hybrid service (FIG. 5, etc.), the components transmitted bybroadcasting and communication are acquired, and hence the signalinginformation transmitted by communication is acquired.

When the signaling information transmitted by broadcasting orcommunication is acquired by the processing of Step S603 or Step S604,the processing proceeds to Step S605. In Step S605, the control unit 601parses the signaling information acquired in the processing of Step S603or Step S604. By this parsing processing, an acquisition source of thevideo and audio components (streams) is determined.

In Step S606, according to the result of the parsing processing of StepS605, the control unit 601 determines whether or not the stream is beingtransmitted by broadcasting. If it is in Step S606 determined that thestream is being transmitted by broadcasting, the processing proceeds toStep S607.

In Step S607, the control unit 601 controls the tuner 604, the Demux605, or the like to acquire the video and audio components transmittedby broadcasting. The thus acquired video data and audio data aresupplied to the video selector 606 or the audio selector 607 at thesubsequent stage. For example, in the basic service (FIG. 4, etc.) orthe hybrid service (FIG. 5, etc.), the video and audio components arebeing transmitted by broadcasting, and hence the IP address, portnumber, TSI, and TOI for acquiring those components are determined. Bybeing connected to the stream being transmitted through the FLUTEsession, the segment data is acquired and the video data and the audiodata are obtained.

Note that, if it is in Step S606 determined that the stream is not beingtransmitted by broadcasting, Step S607 is skipped and the processingproceeds to Step S608. In Step S608, according to the result of theparsing processing of Step S605, the control unit 601 determines whetheror not the stream is being transmitted by communication. If it is inStep S608 determined that the stream is being transmitted bycommunication, the processing proceeds to Step S609.

In Step S609, the control unit 601 controls the communication unit 608,the Demux 609, or the like to acquire the video and audio componentsbeing transmitted by communication. The thus acquired video data andaudio data are supplied to the video selector 606 or the audio selector607 at the subsequent stage. For example, in the hybrid service (FIG. 5,etc.), the video and audio components are transmitted by communication.Therefore, by accessing the streaming server 30 via the Internet 90according to the segment URL of the MPD and being connected to the videoand the audio stream, the segment data is acquired and the video dataand the audio data are obtained.

Note that, if it is in Step S608 determined that the stream is nottransmitted by communication, Step S609 is skipped and the processingproceeds to Step S610. That is, by the processing of Steps S606 to S609,the component transmitted by broadcasting or communication is acquiredand the video data and the audio data are obtained. Then, the video datais supplied to the video decoder 610 via the video selector 606, and theaudio data is supplied to the audio decoder 612 via the audio selector607.

In Step S610, the video decoder 610 decodes the video data supplied fromthe video selector 606, and supplies it to the video output unit 611.Further, the audio decoder 612 decodes the audio data supplied from theaudio selector 607, and supplies it to the audio output unit 613.

In Step S611, the video output unit 611 supplies the video data suppliedfrom the video decoder 610 to a display (not shown) at the subsequentstage. Further, the audio output unit 613 supplies the audio datasupplied from the audio decoder 612 to a speaker (not shown) at thesubsequent stage. With this, the picture such as the program isdisplayed on the display and sound synchronized with that picture isoutput from the speaker. When the processing of Step S611 is terminated,the channel selection processing of FIG. 39 is terminated.

In the above, the channel selection processing has been described.

Note that, although “D” that is the abbreviation of Description is usedas the name of the signaling information in the above description, “T”that is the abbreviation of Table may be used. For example, the SCD(Service Configuration Description) may be described as an SCT (ServiceConfiguration Table). Further, for example, the SPD (Service ParameterDescription) may be described as an SPT (Service Parameter Table). Itshould be noted that the difference of those names is a formaldifference between “Description” and “Table” and the substantialcontents of the signaling information items are not different.

<8. Configuration of Computer>

The above-mentioned series of processing may be executed by hardware ormay be executed by software. If the series of processing is executed bysoftware, programs configuring that software are installed into acomputer. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a configuration example ofhardware of a computer that executes the above-mentioned series ofprocessing according to the programs.

In a computer 900, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read OnlyMemory) 902, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903 are connected to oneanother via a bus 904. An input/output interface 905 is furtherconnected to the bus 904. An input unit 906, an output unit 907, arecording unit 908, a communication unit 909, and a drive 910 areconnected to the input/output interface 905.

The input unit 906 is constituted of a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone,and the like. The output unit 907 is constituted of a display, aspeaker, and the like. The recording unit 908 is constituted of a harddisk, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The communication unit 909 isconstituted of a network interface and the like. The drive 910 drives aremovable medium 911 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, amagneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory.

In the thus configured computer 900, the above-mentioned series ofprocessing is performed by the CPU 901 loading programs stored in theROM 902 and the recording unit 908 into the RAM 903 via the input/outputinterface 905 and the bus 904 and executing them.

The programs executed by the computer 900 (CPU 901) can be recorded andprovided on the removable medium 911 as a package medium, for example.Further, the programs can be provided via a wired or wirelesstransmission medium such as a local-area network, the Internet, anddigital satellite broadcasting.

In the computer 900, the programs can be installed into the recordingunit 908 via the input/output interface 905 by the removable medium 911being mounted on the drive 910. Further, the programs can be received bythe communication unit 909 via the wired or wireless transmission mediumand installed into the recording unit 908. Otherwise, the programs canbe installed into the ROM 902 or the recording unit 908 in advance.

In the present specification, the processing executed by the computeraccording to the programs does not necessarily need to be performed in atime sequence in the order described as the flowchart. That is, theprocessing executed by the computer according to the programs includesprocesses executed in parallel or individually (e.g., parallelprocessing or processing by objects). Further, the programs may beprocessed by a single computer (processor) or may be processed by aplurality of computers in a distributed manner.

Note that embodiments of the present technology are not limited to theabove-mentioned embodiments and various modifications can be madewithout departing from the gist of the present technology.

It should be noted that the present technology may take the followingconfigurations.

(1)

A reception apparatus, including:

a reception unit that receives a broadcast wave of digital broadcastingusing an IP (Internet Protocol) transmission system; and

a control unit that controls, on the basis of information for managingonly a broadcast component transmitted by a broadcast wave of thedigital broadcasting, which is first signaling information transmittedby a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting, or information formanaging at least one component of the broadcast component and acommunication component transmitted by communication, which is secondsignaling information transmitted by communication, operations ofrespective units for acquiring the at least one component of thebroadcast component and the communication component.

(2)

The reception apparatus according to (1), in which, the first signalinginformation is information in units of services and includes a pluralityof management information items for acquiring the broadcast componenttransmitted through a FLUTE (File Delivery over UnidirectionalTransport) session.

(3)

The reception apparatus according to (1), in which

the first signaling information is information in units of services andincludes one management information item obtained by integrating aplurality of management information items for acquiring the broadcastcomponent transmitted through a FLUTE session as a parameter defined ata component level.

(4)

The reception apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), in which

the first signaling information and the second signaling informationinclude management information defining information relating to thesecond signaling information as a parameter at a service level.

(5)

The reception apparatus according to (4), in which

the management information includes information indicating a range ofsignaling information, a version information, and a URL (UniformResource Locator) indicating an acquisition source, as the informationrelating to the second signaling information.

(6)

The reception apparatus according to (5), in which

the management information further includes information indicating anupdate interval of the second signaling information, as the informationrelating to the second signaling information.

(7)

The reception apparatus according to (5) or (6), in which

the management information further includes information indicating atiming to terminate acquisition of the second signaling information, asthe information relating to the second signaling information.

(8)

The reception apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), in which

the second signaling information is information in units of services andincludes a plurality of management information items for acquiring thebroadcast component and an MPD (Media Presentation Description)complying with a standard of MPEG-DASH (Moving Picture

Expert Group-Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) as managementinformation for acquiring the communication component.

(9)

The reception apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), in which

the first signaling information is transmitted in an upper layer than anIP layer in a hierarchy of a protocol in the IP transmission system, and

a common IP address is assigned to the broadcast component configuring aparticular service and the first signaling information.

(10)

A reception method for a reception apparatus, including the steps of:

receiving, by the reception apparatus, a broadcast wave of digitalbroadcasting using an IP transmission system; and

controlling, on the basis of information for managing only a broadcastcomponent transmitted by a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting,which is first signaling information transmitted by a broadcast wave ofthe digital broadcasting, or information for managing at least onecomponent of the broadcast component and a communication componenttransmitted by communication, which is second signaling informationtransmitted by communication, operations of respective units foracquiring the at least one component of the broadcast component and thecommunication component.

(11)

A transmission apparatus, including:

a first acquisition unit that acquires first signaling information formanaging only a broadcast component transmitted by a broadcast wave ofdigital broadcasting using an IP transmission system;

a second acquisition unit that acquires one or more broadcast componentsconfiguring a service; and

a transmission unit that transmits the first signaling informationtogether with the broadcast component by a broadcast wave of the digitalbroadcasting using the IP transmission system.

(12)

The transmission apparatus according to (11), in which

the first signaling information is information in units of services andincludes a plurality of management information items for acquiring thebroadcast component transmitted through a FLUTE session.

(13)

The transmission apparatus according to (11), in which

the first signaling information is information in units of services andincludes one management information item obtained by integrating aplurality of management information items for acquiring the broadcastcomponent transmitted through a FLUTE session as a parameter defined ata component level.

(14)

The transmission apparatus according to any one of (11) to (13), inwhich

a receiver that receives a broadcast wave of the digital broadcastingusing the IP transmission system is capable of acquiring information formanaging the at least one component of the broadcast component and acommunication component transmitted by communication, which is secondsignaling information transmitted by communication, and

the first signaling information and the second signaling informationinclude management information defining information relating to thesecond signaling information as a parameter at a service level.

(15)

The transmission apparatus according to (14), in which

the management information includes information indicating a range ofsignaling information, version information, and a URL of an acquisitionsource, as the information relating to the second signaling information.

(16)

The transmission apparatus according to (15), in which

the management information further includes information indicating anupdate interval of the second signaling information, as the informationrelating to the second signaling information.

(17)

The transmission apparatus according to (15) or (16), in which

the management information further includes information indicating atiming to terminate acquisition of the second signaling information, asthe information relating to the second signaling information.

(18)

The transmission apparatus according to any one of (14) to (17), inwhich

the second signaling information is information in units of services andincludes an MPD complying with a standard of MPEG-DASH as the pluralityof management information items for acquiring the broadcast componentand the management information for acquiring the communicationcomponent.

(19)

The transmission apparatus according to any one of (11) to (18), inwhich

the first signaling information is transmitted in an upper layer than anIP layer in a hierarchy of a protocol in the IP transmission system, and

a common IP address is assigned to the broadcast component configuring aparticular service and the first signaling information.

(20)

A transmission method for a transmission apparatus, including the stepsof:

acquiring, by the transmission apparatus, first signaling informationfor managing only a broadcast component transmitted by a broadcast waveof digital broadcasting using an IP transmission system;

acquiring one or more broadcast components configuring the service; and

transmitting the first signaling information together with the broadcastcomponent by a broadcast wave of the digital broadcasting using the IPtransmission system.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 broadcast communication system, 10 data providing server, 20transmission apparatus, 30 streaming server, 40 signaling server, 60reception apparatus, 90 Internet, 201 communication unit, 202 segmentdata generator, 203 signaling information generator, 204 Mux, 205transmission unit, 601 control unit, 602 NVRAM, 604 tuner, 605 Demux,606 video selector, 607 audio selector, 608 communication unit, 609Demux, 610 video decoder, 611 video output unit, 612 audio decoder, 613audio output unit, 900 computer, 901 CPU

1. (canceled)
 2. A reception apparatus, comprising: a tuner configuredto receive a digital broadcast signal based on an Internet Protocol (IP)transmission system; and one or more processors configured to: acquireservice configuration information transmitted via the digital broadcastsignal, the service configuration information including at least one ofbootstrap information or communication delivery informationcorresponding to signaling information, the bootstrap informationincluding IP address information and port information about thesignaling information transmitted via the digital broadcast signal, thecommunication delivery information including information which indicatescommunication delivery of the signaling information, receive a userselection for a service corresponding to the service configurationinformation, the user selection being performed using a remotecontroller, acquire, based on the service configuration information, thesignaling information corresponding to the service selected by the userselection, acquire, based on the signaling information, at least one ofa broadcast component transmitted via the digital broadcast signal or acommunication component transmitted via a communication other than thedigital broadcast signal, and output the at least one of the broadcastcomponent or the communication component.
 3. The reception apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the information in the communicationdelivery information indicating the communication delivery of thesignaling information includes location information including a piece ofa uniform resource locator (URL) corresponding to a signaling server. 4.The reception apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the one or moreprocessors are configured to determine acquisition of the signalinginformation transmitted via the communication other than the digitalbroadcast signal based on the service configuration information andcapability of the reception apparatus.
 5. The reception apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are configuredto acquire the broadcast component based on the signaling informationtransmitted via the digital broadcast signal.
 6. The reception apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are configuredto acquire the communication component based on the signalinginformation transmitted via the communication other than the digitalbroadcast signal.
 7. The reception apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the one or more processors are configured to receive input froma microphone.
 8. A reception method performed in a reception apparatus,the reception method comprising: receiving, by a tuner, a digitalbroadcast signal based on an Internet Protocol (IP) transmission system,acquiring, by one or more processors, service configuration informationtransmitted via the digital broadcast signal, the service configurationinformation including at least one of bootstrap information orcommunication delivery information corresponding to signalinginformation, the bootstrap information including IP address informationand port information about the signaling information transmitted via thedigital broadcast signal, the communication delivery informationincluding information which indicates communication delivery of thesignaling information; receiving, by the one or more processors, a userselection for a service corresponding to the service configurationinformation, the user selection being performed using a remotecontroller; acquiring, by the one or more processors, based on theservice configuration information, the signaling informationcorresponding to the service selected by the user selection; acquiring,by the one or more processors, based on the signaling information, atleast one of a broadcast component transmitted via the digital broadcastsignal or a communication component transmitted via a communicationother than the digital broadcast signal; and output, by the one or moreprocessors, the at least one of the broadcast component or thecommunication component.
 9. The reception method according to claim 8,wherein the information in the communication delivery informationindicating that the communication delivery of the signaling informationincludes location information including a piece of a uniform resourcelocator (URL) corresponding to a signaling server.
 10. The receptionmethod according to claim 8, comprising: determining, by the one or moreprocessors, to acquire the signaling information transmitted via thecommunication other than the digital broadcast signal based on theservice configuration information and capability of the receptionapparatus.
 11. The reception method according to claim 8, wherein theacquiring, by the one or more processors, the broadcast component isbased on the signaling information transmitted via the digital broadcastsignal.
 12. The reception method according to claim 8, furthercomprising: acquiring, by the one or more processors, the communicationcomponent based on the signaling information transmitted via thecommunication other than the digital broadcast signal.
 13. The receptionmethod according to claim 8, further comprising: receiving, by the oneor more processors, input from a microphone.